A consumer says they were not hired at a job because of their disability. What actions should the Peer Support Specialist take?

• A. Call the authorities.
• B. Advise them to apply somewhere else that is closer to your office.
• C. Arrange a boycott of the place of business and tell your friends.
• D. Educate the consumer on state disability laws before offering a referral to an advocacy agency.

Answer: (D)

When someone shares they were not hired because of their disability, the peer support role is to empower them with knowledge and connect them to appropriate help. Educating the consumer on state disability laws helps them understand their protections against employment discrimination and what rights they have under state and federal law. Following that with a referral to an advocacy agency gives them access to specialized guidance, potential reporting options, and legal resources if they choose to pursue action. This approach respects the person’s autonomy, provides factual information, and links them to professionals who can advise on next steps. The other options miss the mark: contacting authorities isn’t typically the right first step for discrimination in employment, suggesting they apply elsewhere isn’t supportive of addressing the harm, and organizing a boycott is not a professional or appropriate intervention.