On September 13, at a classroom in Temple Harrisburg, twenty-two Pennsylvanians graduated from the Institute on Disabilities’ (IOD) Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking program (C2P2), surrounded by their families, IOD staff, and previous graduates of the C2P2 program. 

The graduates had mixed emotions: happy to have participated in the program, but sad that it was coming to an end. 

“At first, I was very stressed and nervous about participating in this program,” said Shelby Turiansky, a self-advocate in this year’s C2P2 cohort. “But I met so many amazing people in these classes, and learned so much, and now don’t want to leave this program at all.” 

Learning, Networking, and Growing in Advocacy and Leadership

C2P2 is an eight-month program that develops the leadership and advocacy of its participants. Open to parents of school-age and young adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as people with disabilities, the participants learn, network, and grow as they develop their advocacy and leadership skills. 

For Kristin Gerhardt, the mother of twin children with disabilities, the community that she found in C2P2 has been absolutely crucial. 

“My boys are non-verbal, so I’m always wondering, ‘What are they thinking? What’s going on in their heads?” said Gerhardt. “That’s why it was so great to hear from self-advocates, because their stories gave me a different perspective as a caregiver about how I can understand what my children want and what their future looks like.” 

“Our graduates...will help dismantle barriers not just for some, but for all” 

Stacy Phillips, a project coordinator at the IOD who oversees the program, was responsible for revamping its curriculum in 2021. C2P2 now includes an array of guest speakers, former graduates of the program, and representatives from other disability organizations.  

Phillips highlighted the leadership development of C2P2 for its participants.   

“Although it’s a big commitment, C2P2 is worthwhile for people to attend because they leave equipped with the tools to confront injustice, shape policy, and push institutions toward accessibility and accountability,” Phillips said.

“Our graduates are the future leaders, organizers, educators, and advocates who will help dismantle barriers not just for some, but for all.” 

Legislative Visits in Harrisburg

In May, the participants advocated for legislation in Harrisburg, speaking directly to state representatives and other local politicians about disability policy. 

Above: C2P2 participants and IOD staff pose for a photo at the Capitol building in Harrisburg.   

Turiansky, among other participants, highlighted the legislative visit as an important experience for her.  

“One of the main things I’ll remember is talking to our representatives,” said Turiansky, whose representative, John Lawrence, visited the participants. “I was the only one who was able to get a Republican representative to hear us speak, so that was special to me.” 

The graduation ceremony featured two C2P2 graduates who had become board members in community organizations. A third graduate and keynote speaker, Amy Nieves, served as the director of the mayor’s commission on people with disabilities in Philadelphia. 

Their experience is typical of many C2P2 graduates. 

“C2P2 gives participants the confidence to reach new heights,” said Ray-Leonetti. “Through this program, they develop the confidence and skills to say, ‘I have a voice, what I have to say is important, and what I say can make a difference for myself and other people with disabilities and their families.’” 

Application Period Opens October 6

C2P2, which runs annually from January to September, will open applications for next year’s program on October 6th. The program, funded by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), is available at no cost to any eligible Pennsylvanians. 

Gerhardt, like many other C2P2 graduates, urged people considering the program to register. 

“Don’t wait: just do it,” she said. “You’re going to get an education and develop a network of people who can help you. Everyone who is a caregiver of a child with a disability or a self-advocate should be in this class.”

Photo, top of page: Front row, L-R: Melike Yavuz, Jazmine Taylor (on floor); Liam Holland (center). Middle row, L-R: Shelby Turiansky, Cheyenne Hennen, Stacy Phillips, Kelly Stangl-Meddaugh, Rita Palrecha, Annie Ha, Jessica Long, Gianie Perez. Back row, L-R: Jonathan Fulton, Denise Beckett, Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Yvette Thornton, Stephanie Keer, Eric Lowry, Kristen Gerhardt, Teresa Kibelstis, Matt Smith, Michael Ha, David Floria, Kristie McCourt, Yvonne Moore