We're excited to announce our new Foundations of Peer Supports training course!
CLICK HERE if you'd like to apply for Foundations of Peer Supports
Here are some Questions and Answers about training and Peer-to-Peer Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities:
QUESTION 1: What is a Peer Support Specialist?
ANSWER: A Peer Support Specialist is someone who is hired by a provider agency, or an organization, to provide the new Medicaid-funded Peer Support Service.
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QUESTION 2: What are Peer Support Services?
ANSWER: The Peer Support Service is a Medicaid-funded service that offers the opportunity for those who receive DD services to talk to a Peer with shared lived experience about something that will help them achieve their Person-Centered Plan goals.
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QUESTION 3: Do I have to receive DD Services to be a Peer Support Specialist?
ANSWER: No, you don’t need to receive DD Services to be a Peer Support Specialist.
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QUESTION 4: What are the requirements to be a Peer Support Specialist?
ANSWER: There are 3 requirements to be a Peer Support Specialist:
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QUESTION 5: Who can take the training?
ANSWER: Anyone who meets the 3 requirements to be a Peer Support Specialist is welcome to complete an application. This means you must have an I/DD, live in Rhode Island, and be at least 18 years old and have already exited high school.
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QUESTION 6: Is there any cost to take the training?
ANSWER: There is no cost to take the training, thanks to support from the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
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QUESTION 7: How is this different from other courses that Advocates in Action (AinA) offers about being a Peer Mentor?
ANSWER: AinA’s “Peer Mentor Training” course covers how to be a Peer Mentor for AinA, and is only offered to graduates of the Leadership Series. “Foundations of Peer Supports” is a training that AinA is providing on behalf of the Division of Developmental Disabilities to prepare people for possible employment as a Peer Support Specialist.
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QUESTION 8: AinA once provided Peer Mentor Training for those who Self-Direct…is this the same training?
ANSWER: No, “Foundations of Peer Supports” is a different training than the one AinA previously did for those who self-direct. “Foundations of Peer Supports” is a foundational training for anyone who is interested in being a Peer Support Specialist.
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QUESTION 9: How many classes are in each training course?
ANSWER: Each training course will consist of eight online classes, and one in-person half-day class.
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QUESTION 10: Do I need to be very experienced with Zoom to take this course?
ANSWER: No, you don’t need to be very experienced with Zoom to take this course. We will be there to help and support you as you learn to use Zoom.
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QUESTION 11: How many people will be accepted into each course?
ANSWER: Each training course will be limited to 6-8 people.
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QUESTION 12: Can I bring a support person to the classes?
ANSWER: Yes! You can bring someone to support you during the training. However, they will need to fill out their own application and attend your interview with you.
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QUESTION 13: How often will the “Foundations of Peer Support” training be offered?
ANSWER: The “Foundations of Peer Support” training will be offered several times each year.
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QUESTION 14: When will classes meet?
ANSWER: The dates and times for each course have yet to be decided. We ask applicants to share the days and times they're available on the application form. Your answers will help us decide the training schedule when offer the course throughout the year.
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QUESTION 15: Should I still fill out an application, even if there aren't dates released yet for upcoming "Foundations of Peer Supports" trainings?
ANSWER: Absolutely, yes! If you're interested in being a Peer Support Specialist, fill out an application, and we'll be in touch about dates and times for upcoming training opportunities.
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QUESTION 16: What happens next after I complete the application?
ANSWER: AinA will contact you to set up an interview. The interview is just a way for us to meet you, make sure you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
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QUESTION 17: What if I complete the training course but decide that being a Peer Support Specialist isn't for me?
ANSWER: That's OK! Being a Peer Support Specialist isn't for everyone, but the training will still be a great learning experience for you!
If you have a question you don't see answered here, use the link below to email us at aina @ advocatesinaction.org:
This page was updated on Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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