Peer Support: What Role Can The Internet Play? The need to
provide access to mentors and adult role models for students
with disabilities is well-documented. However, peer
relationships also offer developmental opportunities that should
not be overlooked or undervalued. Peers can act as role models,
offer friendship, advice and information, promote a sense of
belonging, and empower each other. The experiences of an active
electronic community of high school students with disabilities
demonstrate that computer-mediated communica tion (CMC) provides
an environment where rich peer relationships can be experienced.
The results of a study of participant experiences suggest that
CMC between peers can help ease the social isolation and advance
the academic and career goals of students with disabilities.
Many young people with disabilities have few friends and limited
support from peers (Gottlieb & Leyser, 1981). They often report
feelings of rejection and isolation. The impact of social
isolation is far-reaching, af