Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking—C2P2 2026

Learn to work with policymakers to make a difference in the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Become a leader in your community. Educate. Empower. Lead.

C2P2 is a free program for:

• Family members of a school-age child in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism;
• Adults in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Application period: October 6, 2025, though 5 pm on October 25, 2025. A limited number of applications will be accepted. All applicants will receive email notification whether or not they are accepted.

Location

Hybrid: Three-day virtual sessions plus two-day in-person sessions at Temple University's Harrisburg campus.

2026 Session Dates

Virtual sessions will be held on a Friday 1 pm - 6:30 pm / Saturday 9 am - 2:30 pm / Wednesday 7-9 pm schedule.

In-person sessions will take place on weekends: Friday 1 pm - 8 pm / Saturday 9 am - 3 pm.

• Session 1: January 23, January 24, January 28 — Virtual
• Session 2:  February 20, February 21, February 25 — Virtual
• Session 3: March 27, March 28 — In-Person
• Session 4: April 24, April 25, April 29 — Virtual
• Session 5: May 29, May 30 — Legislative visits, dates subject to change
• Session 6 (updated): June 12, June 13, June 24 — Virtual
• Session 7: July 17, July 18 — In-Person
• August Break
• Session 8: September 18, September 19 — In-Person/Graduation

Requirements

• Applicants MUST commit to attending both sessions, all eight weekends.
• Attendees must review all materials before and after each session.
• Homework will be assigned and must be completed.

Participants Will Learn

• About local, state and national issues affecting people with disabilities;
• To foster a partnership between people who need supports and services and those who make policy and law;
• To advocate for themselves and others;
• To teach policymakers a new way of thinking about people with disabilities.

Topics

• History of the Self-Advocacy and Independent Living Movement
• History of the Family Movement
• Visioning for a Preferred Future
• Best Practices in:
  • Early Intervention
  • Inclusive Education
  • Transition
  • Employment
  • Community Inclusion
• Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulations
• How to effectively educate Legislators
• How to run a meeting
• How to serve on a Board of Directors
• Effective Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Assistive Technology
• Waivers
• Community of Practice in Supporting Families and in Employment
• Community Engagement
• Community Organizing and Resource Development

Read about Last Year's C2P2 Program

Article: C2P2 Graduation Highlights Leadership and Advocacy of its Graduates

Funded by Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs.