School Outreach & Self-Advocacy Training
Peer Power is a proud partner in Alaska's $10 million Disability Innovation Fund grant — bringing peer-led self-advocacy education directly into schools statewide.
We equip students with disabilities to know their rights, use their voice, and lead in their communities — before and after graduation.
Disability Innovation Fund — DEED Partnership
The contents of this publication were developed under grant number H421E230020 under the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474.)
About the Grant
Alaska's Pathways to Partnerships
The Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration. Alaska's five-year, $10 million award focuses on expanding competitive employment and leadership opportunities for youth and individuals with disabilities statewide.
Peer Power's role in this partnership is clear: bring the power of peer-led self-advocacy into schools — in person, virtually, and in rural communities — so every student with a disability knows their rights before they leave the school system.
✓ Grant Period: 2025–2029 (4 years)
✓ Overseen by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED)
✓ Peer Power contract: SFY 2026 (Oct 2025 – June 2026) Currently in Year 2.
LIVE TRAINING SESSION
Peer Power DIF School Outreach
YEAR ONE IMPACT
Where We've Been & Who We've Reached
SFY 2026 results — October 2025 through June 2026
🎓
19
Youth Served
📚
12
Educators Reached
🏛️
55
Summit Attendees
🏫
3
Schools Visited
📍
5+
School Districts Contacted
💡
$30K
Self-Advocacy Event Funding
Schools & Locations Visited
📍 Juneau, AK
1 middle school + 1 high school
March 2026 — in-person
📍 Kenai Peninsula, AK
KPBSD Hybrid Presentation
April 2026 — hybrid
📍 Statewide Summit
55 self-advocates + partners
April 2026 — Peer Power Summit
Additional outreach made to Anchorage School District (ASD), Mat-Su Borough (MSBSD), and rural districts for Year Two scheduling.
Upcoming School Presentations
No Presentation is scheduled at this time
Training Content
What Students Learn
Our peer-led curriculum covers six core areas, grounded in lived experience and designed for accessibility.
💬
Self-Advocacy Foundations
Know yourself, know your rights, use your voice. Students learn how to speak up in IEP meetings, request accommodations, and set healthy boundaries.
🔄
Transition Realities
Life after high school — new systems, choices, and independence. We help students reframe disability as a source of strength, not a barrier.
⚖️
Rights & the Law
Students learn the protections they have in school, work, and community — and how to use that knowledge when they advocate.
💼
Employment & Benefits
Myths vs. facts about working with a disability. We partner with DB101 to help students and families plan confidently without fear of losing benefits
🌱
Leadership Development
Your voice matters right now. Self-advocacy is a lifelong leadership skill — and we believe students don't have to wait to start leading.
🌍
Culture & Identity
Your background is a strength, not a barrier. Traditional skills and cultural knowledge belong in transition plans and belong in your future.
COLLABRATION
Grant Partners
DEED
Grant oversight, coordination, and accountability
GCDSE
Disability systems coordination and policy
SILC
Youth leadership and independent living
CHD
Transition planning and benefits education
SAIL
Work-based learning and independence skills
PEER POWER
Peer-led self-advocacy and leadership development
Our Role
