Communities of Practice (CoP) are formed in response to member requests to advance issues that are in support of TASH’s national policy agenda. Using a variety of communication, training, recognition, advocacy and publication methods, they influence the direction of the field toward more advanced and progressive policies and practices.

Participation in a Community of Practice is one of the benefits available to active TASH members. If you are not currently a member, you can join here.

TASH strives for a balance in the composition of experiences and skills of Community of Practice members by encouraging people who represent the diversity of our membership and the communities in which they live (people who are self-advocates, family members, educators, researchers, direct support providers, people of color, or combinations thereof).

If you are a TASH member who is passionate about the mission of one of the Communities of Practice below, please use the form at the bottom of the page to request to join the Community of Practice.

Chapter Leadership and Membership (State chapter leaders only): Recommends policies and direction for Chapter support and alignment, assesses the current status of Chapters and makes recommendations to individual chapters in response to annual reports. Identifies and helps support the development of new chapters, and develops strategies for increase grassroots participation in promoting TASH’s mission.

Communication Access: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan to ensure all people have a means of communication which allows their fullest participation in the wider world; and that their communication is heeded by others.

Community Living: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan to expand the provision of person-centered, long term supports and individualized choice for community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every state. Conducts the selection process for the annual Larry J. Brumond Supported Relationships Award.

Diversity and Social Impact: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan focused on policy as it concerns people with disabilities with diverse backgrounds and increase the diversity of TASH membership.  Conducts the selection process for the annual Ralph Edwards Diversity and Social Impact Award.

Early Career Researcher Network: Early Career Researcher Network recognizes the unique challenges facing pre-tenure researchers and focuses on discovery of research collaboration and mentor relationships. Conducts the selection process for the annual Early Career Researcher Award.

Employment: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan to increase the employment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and eliminate federally sanctioned sub-minimum wages. Conducts the selection process for the annual Marc Gold Employment Award.

Human Rights: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan to affect policies concerning the human rights of peoples with disabilities, such as conservatorship/guardianship, restraints and seclusion, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Inclusive Education: Develops and implements an annual Work Plan to increase the placement of students with disabilities in inclusive education settings and use of high quality inclusive education practices as intended in IDEA and ESSA. Conducts the selection process for the annual June Downing Breakthroughs in Inclusive Education and the Positive Behavioral Supports Awards.

Interested in a TASH Community of Practice? Click the button below to submit an application.