VIDBE-Q Volume 66, Issue 2
78
arrangements, a form of peer-mediated intervention, as an approach for socially
engaging students with VI more meaningfully and maintaining academic success.
Peer Support Arrangements
Peer support arrangements involve the recruitment of peers, preparing the
peers to provide academic and social support for students with a disability during
class activities, peers implementing supports, and adults monitoring the peer
support arrangement (Carter et al., 2011). Tuttle and Carter (2020) found that peer
support arrangements are a promising strategy for increasing the interactions
between students with VI and their sighted peers while maintaining academic
engagement. This article will describe each component of peer support
arrangements (i.e., peer recruitment, peer training, and implementing the peer
support arrangement).
Peer Recruitment
To form a peer support arrangement, educators must first recruit one or more
peers from the same classroom as a student with VI. Educators in Tuttle and Carter
(2020) initially relied heavily on academic achievement. However, teachers should
also weigh several other factors when recruiting peer partners, including students
with VIs' preferences and support needs, as well as the peer partner's interest.
Peer Training
Peer training sessions prepare peers to provide the supports students with VI
