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

Check out the follow list of Questions and Answers or more information about the training and Peer-to-Peer Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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. 

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: What are the requirements to be a Peer Support Specialist?
ANSWER: There are 3 requirements to be a Peer Support Specialist: 1. Have an I/DD (Intellectual or Developmental Disability) 2. Live in Rhode Island  3. Be at least 18 years old and no longer be in high school
QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: Who can take the training?
ANSWER: Anyone can apply to take the training, as long as they meet the 3 requirements: 1. Have an I/DD, live in RI, and at least 18 years old and not in high school.

QUESTION: 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.
QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: How many people will be accepted into each course?
ANSWER: Each training course will be limited to 6-8 people.

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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.
QUESTION: When will classes meet?
ANSWER: The dates and times for each course have yet to be decided. Please keep checking back for info about upcoming trainings.

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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.

QUESTION: 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 still have a question you don't see answered here, email us at:

This page was updated on Monday, September 14, 2026

LEFT CLICK or TAP on this words to go the Advocates in Action Home Page at www.advocatesinaction.org