In Philadelphia, we partnered with collaborators to design the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training Program, a model that builds on the state’s Certified Peer Specialist requirements while centering the lived experiences of autistic individuals. The training is required for providing CAPS as a Medicaid-billable service in Philadelphia. Please note that this training is not yet certified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).

Below is an overview of the Philadelphia CAPS Training Program. If your community is interested in exploring or adapting this model, we can provide technical assistance to support program development, training implementation, and sustainability planning.

What is the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training?

• Provides learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools to work as a Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) delivering peer support services in Pennsylvania following state guidelines.
• Focuses on wellness, self-advocacy, empowerment, and community inclusion as core values.
• 75 hours long and includes a mixture of in-person classroom instruction, self-paced learning activities (homework), and field observations through job shadowing.
• Explores topics including active listening, person-centered support, cultural competency, trauma-informed practice, exploring our own autistic identities and wellness journeys, and sharing our experiences in a way that can connect with, empower, and inspire confidence in our peers.
• Completion of this training allows graduates to qualify for future positions as a Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS), as well as providing valuable educational experiences applicable to a variety of roles in the field of autism advocacy, services, and support.

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To learn more about the CAPS Training Program in Philadelphia, please click on the button below.