PMW FieldGuide

PMW FieldGuide Basic Edition (Free)

The PMW FieldGuide is a robust next generation program handbook available as an online direct service toolkit.  It features a cascading menu-driven interface designed to support fidelity in the provision of peer mentoring by supporting peer mentors in the field of practice.  

The novel FieldGuide features a robust menu of informational resources, practical guidance, and best practice techniques available to support peer mentors when working with jobseekers in-person or online via web-based meeting platforms.   

The base (free edition) FieldGuide, is available through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.  It includes a broad spectrum of easily accessed tools and resources for peer mentors to use when helping jobseekers with disabilities navigate the complexities of the job market and secure meaningful employment. 

Our courses are crafted to enhance peer mentoring for students, youth, and adults with disabilities, featuring: 

Content: Menu of Accessible Resources covering essential topics such as understanding disabilities, mentoring strategies and techniques, built-in supports for the mentor, and peer mentoring service provision tools and resources.   

Program Basics 

Disability Culture, Pride & Access 

Mentoring Strategies 

Coordinator Supports 

Mentor Supports 

Mentee Supports 

Personalized Features:   FAVs and recently viewed tracking and downloadable worksheets, and program resources.    

ActivityGuides: Online content resources available to the mentor to use directly with the job-seekers to improve skills, enhance confidence and expand capacity.  

  1. Networking ActivityGuide  
  2. Disability Disclosure ActivityGuide 
  3. Digital Citizenship ActivityGuide 

 

PMW Premiere Edition (Subscription)

Premiere Edition of the PMW FieldGuide includes all Basic Features plus a special program edition of the Dashboard.  This special edition includes access to a collection of enhanced features and direct service provision resources managed and administered through an interactive Dashboard.   

Customized Program Features:  

  • ActivityGuides: A collection of Interactive content exploration and mentoring engagement tools designed to reinforce effective peer mentoring objectives.   
  • In-Practice Peer Mentoring Guides: Offer in-depth strategies for implementing mentoring skills in real-world settings, ensuring that mentees can apply their new knowledge effectively. 
  • PMW Tools: Include practical aids such as checklists, planning templates, and reflective questions that help mentors guide the mentees effectively. 
  • Pre – and Post-Surveys: Designed to assess the knowledge and confidence levels of job-seekers mentees at the start and end of the program, helping to measure progress and impact. 
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Allow for continuous improvement of the mentoring process based on direct input from participants. 
  • Digital Tools: Leverages technology like H5P to create interactive and engaging digital activities that re-enforce learning and interaction between mentors and mentees. 

This FieldGuide is not only a toolkit but also a direct provision management tool that serves as a roadmap that empowers mentors to facilitate a transformative journey for mentees, leading them towards achieving personal growth, professional readiness, and successful integration into the competitive job market. 

Dashboard

The PMW FieldGuide features an integrated dashboard that serves as a direct service provision management tool that streamlines and supports the mentoring process. This tool facilitates real-time tracking, reporting and management of mentoring activities, ensuring each interaction is maximized for mentor and mentee benefit. 

The PMW Dashboard is an innovative digital platform designed to streamline the management and monitoring of the peer mentoring program tailored for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This dashboard serves as a central hub for mentors, mentees, and program administrators, providing tools and features that enhance communication, track progress, and manage resources effectively.  

The PMW Dashboard is a crucial component of the peer mentoring program, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the mentoring process. It supports the program’s goal of empowering mentors and mentees, enabling them to achieve their full potential in the competitive job market through structured guidance, robust support, and collaborative learning. 

Here’s an overview of some the PMW Dashboard features: 

  1. User Interface with Sleek and Accessible Design:
  • The dashboard boasts a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation, ensuring that users of all tech-savviness can interact with ease. It incorporates accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, high-contrast mode, and scalable text to accommodate users with different needs. 
  1. Tracking and Reporting
  • Progress Tracking: The dashboard allows mentors and mentees to track their progress against predefined goals and milestones in the mentoring journey. This includes updates on learning modules completed, skills developed, and changes in confidence and competence levels. 
  • Real-Time Reporting: Administrators can generate reports that provide insights into the overall effectiveness of the mentoring program, including participation rates, progress metrics, and success stories. 
  • Feedback Mechanism: Allows users to provide immediate feedback on resources, sessions, and overall program experience, which is crucial for continuous improvement. 
  • Survey Integration: Facilitates the distribution and collection of survey data directly through the dashboard, simplifying the process of evaluating program impact and participant satisfaction. 
  1.  Administrative Features
  • User Management: Enables administrators to manage user accounts, set permissions, and monitor activity along programmatic goals.  . 
  • Customizable Settings: Program coordinators can customize various aspects of the dashboard to align with specific program goals and requirements. 

The PMW Dashboard is a crucial component of the peer mentoring program, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the mentoring process. It supports the program’s goal of empowering mentors and mentees, enabling them to achieve their full potential in the competitive job market through structured guidance, robust support, and collaborative learning. 

PMW MyCube Program

MyCube Project

The MyCube Project is an innovative and interactive activity designed to empower individuals, particularly young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), to explore, express, and share their personal stories in a creative and meaningful way. This hands-on activity invites participants to create a six-sided cube that represents key aspects of their identity, experiences, and aspirations

Each side of the MyCube highlights an important dimension of their life, fostering self-discovery, confidence, and connection with others. It also emphasizes storytelling, discovery, and the adventures of networking—helping participants use their stories to connect with others, build communities, and achieve their goals. 

 

What is MyCube

MyCube is a storytelling tool that uses imagery and narratives to help participants reflect on their journey. The cube is made up of six distinct sides: 

  • MyPassions: What excites and motivates me. 
  • MyVerbs: The actions and activities that define me. 
  • MyBase (Past): The foundation of my story—where I come from. 
  • MyStory (Present): Who I am today and what matters to me now. 
  • MyGoals (Future): My dreams and aspirations for the future. 
  • MySelf (Profile/Introduction): A holistic view of my identity. 

Each side combines a chosen image, a brief description, and a first-person narrative. This structured yet flexible format allows participants to express their unique identities and experiences in a way that feels authentic and empowering. 

Participants create a physical cube as a keepsake, showcasing the images as a snapshot of their journey. They can also record themselves sharing their MyCube story and post it on a platform like YouTube to share with friends, family, and potential employers. This creates a new layer of connection and expands their personal network. 

Why MyCube?

The MyCube Project is more than an art project; it’s a journey of self-discovery, storytelling, and adventure in networking. By engaging in this activity, participants: 

Build Self-Awareness: Reflect on their personal experiences, strengths, and values. 

Enhance Communication Skills: Practice expressing their stories in both visual and verbal formats. 

Strengthen Self-Advocacy: Gain confidence in sharing their unique perspectives with others. 

Foster Connections: Use their MyCube to engage with peers, mentors, and the community, creating opportunities for deeper understanding and empathy. 

By focusing on storytelling as a means of networking, participants learn how to use their stories to build meaningful relationships, explore job opportunities, and achieve their goals. 

Who Can Benefit?

The MyCube Project is ideal for peer mentoring programs, classrooms, and community organizations that serve individuals with I/DD. Peer mentors can use MyCube as a tool to guide and inspire their mentees, while participants can use it to explore career pathways, develop self-advocacy skills, and celebrate their identity. 

How It Works

The MyCube Project can be completed in one-on-one or group settings, with the guidance of a mentor or facilitator. Participants: 

  1. Choose Images: Select pictures that represent each side of their cube. 
  1. Tell Their Story: Write or share brief narratives about why each image is meaningful. 
  1. Create the Cube: Assemble the physical or digital cube to showcase their story. 

Once the MyCube is complete, participants can take the storytelling further by recording themselves sharing their cube and posting it online to celebrate their journey and expand their reach. 

The activity is flexible and can be adapted to individual needs and goals, making it accessible for a wide range of participants. 

Meet PJ Swan, she is a friend of mine in California.  She was part of a Documentary, made in 2020 by Joey Travolta (John’s older Brother).  The documentary followed a group of young adults and their families and allies in supported and customized employment post pandemic working in their community.  PJ was one of the stories.  Here is PJ’s MyCube project:  https://youtu.be/Kj2sbafgZak?si=Uu81de803NaoEFkJ 

Impact and Applications

The MyCube Project has been praised for its ability to help participants discover their voices and share their stories in a powerful way. Whether used in career development workshops, self-advocacy training, or creative expression sessions, MyCube is a versatile tool that delivers meaningful outcomes. It inspires participants to see their past, present, and future as interconnected pieces of a larger story—one they can be proud to share. By focusing on storytelling and discovery, participants are equipped to navigate the adventures of networking, build relationships, and achieve their goals. 

Conclusion

The MyCube Project offers a unique and engaging way for individuals to celebrate their identity, build confidence, and connect with others. By creating a tangible representation of their story, participants gain valuable skills and a deeper understanding of themselves. MyCube isn’t just a project; it’s a transformative experience that empowers individuals to embrace their journey, share it with the world, and use it as a tool for building community, finding job opportunities, and achieving their dreams. 

PMW ActivityGuides

The Peer MentoringWorks ActivityGuides are program content resources accessible through the PMW FieldGuide Dashboard that facilitate exploration and engagement while tracking measurable outcomes and program participation.   

Each guide provides detailed guidance aligned with peer mentoring programs objectives.  Subject matter content videos, worksheets, pre-post surveys, and interactive reflection prompts are integrated to enhance understanding and participation. 

Overview of Activity Guides for Peer MentoringWorks Program

The Peer MentoringWorks program leverages structured Activity Guides to enhance the effectiveness of peer mentoring for jobseekers with disabilities. These guides are intricately designed to foster career exploration, skill development, and self-determination in a format that is both engaging and educational. 

Purpose of Activity Guides

ActivityGuides are integral to the peer mentoring process, providing structured content that helps mentees and mentors navigate the complexities of career planning and personal growth. They are developed to: 

  • Serve as a Props:  supports mutual exploration aligned with program objectives that includes a process of engagement that results to a benefit for both the mentor and mentee.  
  • Facilitate Career Exploration: Enable mentees to discover and pursue career paths aligned with their interests. 
  • Build Essential Skills: Equip both mentors and mentees with necessary skills for personal and professional environments. 
  • Encourage Self-Determination: Promote autonomy through activities that support self-advocacy and informed decision-making. 

Consistency and Accessibility

Utilizing the PMW ActivityGuide Template ensures that each guide adheres to a consistent format, making them accessible and easy to use. This standardized approach includes clear objectives, mentoring tips, and engaging activities designed to make the learning experience comprehensive and practical. 

These Activity Guides serve as content provision and exploration tools supporting mentors and mentees navigating the pathway toward competitive integrated employment.  

Detailed Descriptions of Select ActivityGuides

Below are narrative descriptions of an expanding library of key guides available through the Peer MentoringWorks Dashboard, each tailored to specific aspects of the mentoring journey: 

Getting Started/My MAP ActivityGuide 

Description: This ActivityGuide is designed to support the initiation phase of the peer mentoring relationship.  Getting to know each other; building trust and establishing common values through a relationship agreement; and creating a Mentoring Action/Activity Plan (MAP) are three essential activities that a mentor and mentee conduct during the initiation phase.  The Getting Started/MyMap ActivityGuide is designed to guide the initiation phase using icebreakers, a confidentiality agreement process, and the MyMAP activity where the mentor and mentee identifies a list of goals and activities to add to the mentoring relationship itinerary.  

Gaining Community Service Experience ActivityGuide 

Description: This guide empowers mentees to engage in community service as a means of gaining valuable experience and building a resume. It offers a comprehensive approach to identifying and securing volunteer opportunities that align with the mentee’s interests and career goals. The content guides mentees through the process of applying for positions, making the most of their volunteer experiences, and understanding how these experiences can enhance their employability and personal growth. 

Finding a Job ActivityGuide 

Description: This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions and strategies for the job search process. It covers essential topics such as identifying personal strengths and applicable job opportunities, creating effective resumes, mastering the job application process, and developing interviewing skills. This guide is designed to equip mentees with the tools they need to successfully enter the workforce, emphasizing proactive strategies for finding and securing employment. 

Campus and Group Citizenship ActivityGuide 

Description: Focused on fostering responsible and respectful behavior in educational and group settings, this guide teaches mentees the values of respect, responsibility, and cooperation. It includes practical activities and peer mentoring guidance that help mentees navigate social interactions and understand their roles as active, contributing members of a community. The guide is particularly useful for mentees involved in group activities or educational settings, helping them to cultivate a positive and collaborative environment. 

Discover Your Career Pathway ActivityGuide 

Description: Designed to demystify the steps toward career readiness, this guide provides a structured approach to career exploration. It offers practical tools for identifying personal strengths and interests, mapping them to potential careers, and understanding the necessary steps to achieve these professional goals. Interactive elements and mentor tips throughout the guide support mentees in developing a clear and personalized career pathway. 

Digital Citizenship ActivityGuide 

Description: In today’s digital age, this guide is crucial for teaching mentees how to navigate the internet responsibly. Covering topics from online safety to the ethical use of digital resources, the guide prepares mentees to use technology effectively and ethically, enhancing their professional and personal lives. It emphasizes the importance of digital footprints and provides strategies for managing online identities in a way that supports career objectives. 

Networking ActivityGuide 

Description: This guide tackles the essential skill of networking, offering strategies for building and maintaining professional relationships. It covers how to initiate contact with potential mentors or employers, sustain those connections, and leverage them for career advancement. Real-life application tips help translate these skills into practical actions mentees can take to expand their professional circles. 

Disability Disclosure ActivityGuide 

Description: Navigating personal and disability identity in professional settings can be challenging. This guide provides comprehensive support for mentees to understand and articulate their identities confidently. It includes exercises on self-reflection, education about disability rights and advocacy, and practical advice on the nuances of disclosing a disability in the workplace. 

These Activity Guides serve as content provision and exploration tools supporting mentors and mentees navigating the pathway toward competitive integrated employment.  

PMW Training Courses

Series 1: Peer Mentoring Fundamentals 

This series introduces Peer Mentors to the essentials of effective mentoring, covering a wide range of topics from the foundational understanding of the peer mentoring role to specialized communication techniques. Mentors learn the history and value of peer mentoring, engage in skill-building for self-advocacy and self-determination, and explore disability etiquette. Additional courses in this series refine communication skills, introduce time and stress management techniques, and provide guidance on decision making and behavior awareness. 

  • Peer Mentoring Essentials 
  • Role of Self-Advocacy & Self-Determination 
  • Disability Etiquette  
  • Common Communications Essentials   
  • Guide to Mentor Communications 
  • Time Management   
  • Attitude & Growth Mindset  
  • Decision Making Basics  

Series 2: Employment Transition Essentials 

Targeted at Peer Mentor Coordinators, this series delves into employment transition with a focus on disability rights, benefits, and services. It aims to equip mentors with knowledge on critical laws and protections for individuals with disabilities, the intricacies of disability benefits, and the transition from educational settings to the workforce. This series provides a comprehensive understanding of employment-related resources and legal frameworks to support disabled individuals in achieving successful employment outcomes. 

  • Employment & Disability Rights  
  • Employment & Disability Benefits  
  • Employment & Transition Services 

Series 3: State and Community Resources 

This series is designed to enhance the knowledge of Peer Mentor Coordinators regarding state and community resources.. The courses cover the extensive services offered by the State Vocational Rehab Agency and provide practical training on how to identify and utilize community and campus resources effectively to support mentees. 

  • Local State VR Module 
  • Campus and Community Resources 

Series 4: Optional Electives 

As elective content, this series offers a diverse range of topics including the history of the Independent Living Movement, effective networking strategies, financial literacy, career pathway development, digital citizenship, reasonable accommodations, and a comprehensive look at disability benefits. These courses are intended to provide deeper insights and practical tools for Peer Mentors to enhance their mentoring capabilities and personal development. 

  • Exploring the World of Work  
  • Navigating Career Pathways  
  • Networking for Success  
  • Guide to Peer Mentoring  
  • Effective Peer Mentoring Practices 
  • Disability Disclosure 
  • Self-Employment 
  • Making Cents Out of Dollars _Financial Literacy 
  • Understanding Digital Citizenship  
  • Campus and Community Citizenship 
  • Workplace Citizenship