join our community of practice
What is a Community of Practice (CoP)? A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common interest or challenge and come together to learn, collaborate, and improve practice. In this case, our CoP focuses on the intersection of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism (IDD-A). Members exchange knowledge, discuss real-world experiences, and develop new strategies to improve supports and outcomes for individuals with co-occurring conditions. Unlike a one-time training or webinar, a CoP is an ongoing, interactive learning community—it grows and evolves based on the members’ shared experiences and insights.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much time will this take? The CoP is designed to be flexible and manageable. Most members spend about 1–2 hours per month participating in online sessions, discussions, or activities. You can engage at your own pace and choose the opportunities that best fit your schedule and interests.
Can I invite others? Yes! Please share this opportunity widely. We encourage you to invite colleagues, family members, or others who are interested in the intersection of SUD and IDD-A. Everyone who wishes to participate can email us to get added to our list (email [email protected]) and/or join our free Practice Hub to ensure access to updates and materials.
What would I expect to get from participating in this CoP? Practice guide/training/connection/. Members will gain access to free training resources, practice guides, family support, and professional connections across the SUD and IDD-A fields. You’ll have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss real-world challenges, and learn evidence-informed strategies that can be applied in your work or advocacy efforts.
Who can join the CoP? The CoP welcomes professionals, direct support staff, family members, individuals with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in improving supports for people with co-occurring SUD and IDD-A. All perspectives add value to our shared learning.
What happens if I miss a session? No problem! All online sessions will be recorded or summarized so members can review materials and continue engaging in ongoing discussions. You can stay involved even if you can’t attend every meeting.
Can someone come in my place if I can’t make a session? Yes, substitutes are welcome. Please have your colleague or designee register in advance so they receive the session link and resources.
Will this cost me anything? No. Participation is completely free, thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Office of Developmental Programs. Please note that nothing is being sold.
How will the CoP meet and communicate? Meetings and discussions will be held online through a dedicated, interactive platform. Members will also receive updates, training links, and shared resources via email and the CoP website or forum.
What topics will the CoP cover? Topics will focus on the intersection of substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism, including identification, treatment adaptations, stigma reduction, prevention strategies, harm reduction, and family engagement. Members can also suggest new topics based on emerging needs.
How is the CoP different from a training or webinar? The CoP is not a one-time training. It’s an ongoing learning community. Participants both learn and contribute, sharing experiences, strategies, and practical tools that can be applied in real-world settings.
How can I contribute to the CoP? Members can participate in discussions, share resources, present case examples, or co-develop tools and materials. Engagement at any level is valuable—whether you listen and learn or take an active facilitation role.
Will I receive continuing education or a certificate of participation? Depending on session content, certificates of completion or continuing education credit may be offered. Details will be announced for each session or learning series.
How will the CoP measure success or impact? The CoP will track participation, engagement, and feedback to refine topics and ensure real-world impact. Participant input will help guide future training and resource development.
Can I invite others? Yes! Please share this opportunity widely. We encourage you to invite colleagues, family members, or others who are interested in the intersection of SUD and IDD-A. Everyone who wishes to participate can email us to get added to our list (email [email protected]) and/or join our free Practice Hub to ensure access to updates and materials.
What would I expect to get from participating in this CoP? Practice guide/training/connection/. Members will gain access to free training resources, practice guides, family support, and professional connections across the SUD and IDD-A fields. You’ll have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss real-world challenges, and learn evidence-informed strategies that can be applied in your work or advocacy efforts.
Who can join the CoP? The CoP welcomes professionals, direct support staff, family members, individuals with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in improving supports for people with co-occurring SUD and IDD-A. All perspectives add value to our shared learning.
What happens if I miss a session? No problem! All online sessions will be recorded or summarized so members can review materials and continue engaging in ongoing discussions. You can stay involved even if you can’t attend every meeting.
Can someone come in my place if I can’t make a session? Yes, substitutes are welcome. Please have your colleague or designee register in advance so they receive the session link and resources.
Will this cost me anything? No. Participation is completely free, thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Office of Developmental Programs. Please note that nothing is being sold.
How will the CoP meet and communicate? Meetings and discussions will be held online through a dedicated, interactive platform. Members will also receive updates, training links, and shared resources via email and the CoP website or forum.
What topics will the CoP cover? Topics will focus on the intersection of substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism, including identification, treatment adaptations, stigma reduction, prevention strategies, harm reduction, and family engagement. Members can also suggest new topics based on emerging needs.
How is the CoP different from a training or webinar? The CoP is not a one-time training. It’s an ongoing learning community. Participants both learn and contribute, sharing experiences, strategies, and practical tools that can be applied in real-world settings.
How can I contribute to the CoP? Members can participate in discussions, share resources, present case examples, or co-develop tools and materials. Engagement at any level is valuable—whether you listen and learn or take an active facilitation role.
Will I receive continuing education or a certificate of participation? Depending on session content, certificates of completion or continuing education credit may be offered. Details will be announced for each session or learning series.
How will the CoP measure success or impact? The CoP will track participation, engagement, and feedback to refine topics and ensure real-world impact. Participant input will help guide future training and resource development.