Methods

The goal of this project was to learn more about how peer support is being used. To do this, the research team collected information from people with experience in transition. The team collected information through:

1. Scoping Review - A review of research articles about transition-age youth and peer support. Information about peer support and main research concerns were taken from the articles.
2. Key Informant Interviews - Interviews with youth and young adults (16 – 25 years old) with IDD, peer supporters with IDD, parents of young adults with IDD, transition researchers, and transition service providers. Interviewees shared their thoughts and opinions about peer support and transition services, supports, and research.
3. Focus Groups - Interview groups with youth and young adults (16 – 25 years old) with IDD, parents of young adults with IDD, transition researchers, and transition service providers. Each focus group voted on the issues that were most important to research about peer support and transition services.
4. Comparison of Results - A comparison or “crosswalk” of all the information that was learned in the review, interviews, and focus groups to find common themes, ideas, and main concerns.

Go to the next page to learn more about the scoping review.