A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group that comes together to learn from one another and to develop and implement strategies towards a common practice. The focus of this CoP is Supporting Families! The strategies Pennsylvania ODP is using to reach all people are threefold:

1. Partnership with Self Advocates Power Network for All (SAPNA) to provide training and supports to persons with IDD/A;

2. Partnership with PA Family Network for training and mentoring of family members of a person with an intellectual or developmental disability or autism (IDD/A); and

3. ODP offering Regional leadership with community partners in the form of Regional Collaboratives.

Thus, we are embracing the broad and rich diversity that defines Pennsylvania’s character: diversity in geography, demographics, cultures and ethnicity, history and traditions, and local identity.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Workplan reflects ongoing efforts as well as areas of focus for new or enhanced activities for the FY.  A webinar is available here if you would like to hear about the purpose of the work plan, how to find what you are looking for in the work plan, and a few highlighted new activities.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s involvement in the National Community of Practice, to learn how you can be involved, or to request training for your organization or staff, contact Candida Walton at cawalton@pa.gov or call 717-439-5278. To stay informed, you can also subscribe to the ODP Supporting Families ListServ.