This year’s theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Progressive Leadership,” acknowledges TASH’s 40 years of generating change within the disability community and anticipates a brighter, more inclusive future for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Each year, the TASH Conference impacts the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world.
We encourage you to explore this website, connect with other attendees, and build your personalized schedule. You can also download the mobile app version of the website by visiting the App Store and Google Play and searching for "TASH 2015".
Traditionally, Parent to Parent (P2P) has provided peer support through close matches between a help-seeking parent of a child with a disability or healthcare need and a trained veteran parent. Support was given over several telephone conversations during which veteran parents employed active listening techniques, imparted positivity through the sharing of stories and provided valuable informational support gained through similar experiences. Recently however, some states have begun to deliver training using webinar or online modules. Additionally many disability-focused groups, including some P2Ps maintain online support platforms. Research on the use of technology and the mission of P2P will be presented. OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the mission of Parent to Parent USA 2. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of online training. 3. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of online support. 4. Brainstorm models of online training and support which align with the needs and mission of P2P USA. IMPORTANCE: Volunteer organizations which are sensitive to the needs and priorities of young families will continue their mission. Therefore, it is crucial that best practices of volunteer service organizations be reevaluated for younger and more diverse populations in order to remain relevant to those they serve and provide effective support.TRANSLATING TOPIC INTO POSITIVE OUTCOMES: It is known that peer support reduces isolation and stress in parents of children with disabilities, improving overall well-being and functioning of the family. Simplifying access to high-quality emotional and informational support for parents could lead to more families adapting successfully to life with a child with a disability and better outcomes for their children, including increased inclusion in school and community.
