CAPS Training Program
What is the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training?
- Provides learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools to work as a 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 (potentially virtual) 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.
- This training is not certified through the PA Certification Board. However, completion of this training allows graduates to qualify for positions as a Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS), as well as provides valuable educational experiences applicable to a variety of roles in the field of autism advocacy, services, and support.
Who is this training for?
The training is designed for autistic individuals who have a passion for using their own experiences to support other autistic people in their community to feel empowered, achieve their goals, and meaningfully participate in all areas of life. An ideal candidate will identify as having had experience working on their wellness through utilizing a variety of supports like mentoring, personal self-care practices, behavioral health services, or other methods.
Training Requirements
Lived Experience: Individuals who are 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of autism. (Please note: We have also accepted evaluation reports if an official diagnosis is not available).
What you need to complete the application:
- Lived Experience: A signed letter or other documentation from a doctor, clinician, or service provider that verifies your autism diagnosis. Please note: You do not need to submit any detailed clinical information beyond confirmation of the diagnosis. We understand the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis as an adult, so we also accept evaluation reports.
- The application also asks you to answer questions describing your pathway to wellness, including how and why you feel that you are ready and qualified to support others in a similar situation.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Training Dates: March 2, 2026 – March 20, 2026. The training occurs over 2-3 weeks (with one week devoted to job shadowing). Participants should be prepared to be available from 9 am – 5 pm, in-person. Kindly be advised that the timeline is subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and will keep you updated on any adjustments. Below are more details about the schedule.
- Week of March 2nd: Training will occur every day.
- Week of March 9th:
- March 9th: Virtual Training Day
- Remainder of the week: Job Shadowing placement
- Week of March 16th: Training will occur every day.
Application Due Date: Rolling admission until spots are filled.
Location: Vision for Equality,
The Cast Iron Building
718 Arch Street, 6N, Philadelphia, PA 19106