Registration Now Available!

PEAL may be able to support a limited amount of mileage/travel reimbursement and/or lodging for families to attend an FLI, if this is something you are interested in, please email: [email protected]

About the Family Leadership Institute

Build your advocacy. Strengthen your leadership. Amplify your voice.

The PEAL Center’s Family Leadership Institute (FLI) is designed for parents and caregivers of children and young people with disabilities and special healthcare needs who want to become confident and informed leaders.

Through this interactive training series, participants will gain a deeper understanding of healthcare, education, and disability policies, and learn practical tools to increase the impact of their voice.

The goal: to promote meaningful, positive changes for children, young people, and families across Pennsylvania.

What will participants learn?

FLI covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

Disability History
IEPs vs. Section 504 Plans
Pennsylvania Medicaid and Waivers
- Presented by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP)
The PA Medical Home Project
- Presented by the Director of the PA Medical Home Project
Care Mapping
Dispute Resolution
And more

FLI Workshop Sessions and Topics

The Family Leadership Institute includes four phases of learning and hands-on advocacy activities:

Foundational Learning
Complete PEAL’s online Individualized Education Program Advocacy Academy to strengthen your understanding of special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Individualized Education Program development, effective advocacy, and communication with schools.
Welcome to FLI and Disability Advocacy History
Explore the Disability Rights Movement, disability history, major legislation, family leadership, and program expectations.
Two-Day Leadership Institute
Participate in two days of in-person learning, networking, and leadership development with your selected regional cohort.
Systems and Resource Learning
Learn about Medicaid and waivers through a session presented by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project and explore how families can partner effectively with healthcare providers through the Medical Home webinar.
Advocacy in Action
Apply what you have learned by completing a meaningful advocacy activity related to education, healthcare, community involvement, systems change, or family leadership.

Cohort Information (Participants must attend ONE in-person cohort)

Philadelphia Cohort

October 12–13, 2026
Times 9:00-2:00 p.m.
Inglis Innovation Center Philadelphia, 2562 Belmont Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131

Pittsburgh Cohort

January 14–15, 2027
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Innovation Center Pittsburgh, 100 S. Jackson Ave, Floor 2, Suite 3, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15202

York Cohort

March 18–19, 2027
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hampton Inn & Suites York South, 2159 South Queen Street, York, Pennsylvania 17402

Participation Requirements

To complete the Family Leadership Institute, participants must:

Complete PEAL’s online Individualized Education Program Advocacy Academy and knowledge check
Attend or watch the Welcome to FLI and Disability Advocacy History webinar and complete the knowledge check if watching the recording.
Attend both days of one regional in-person cohort.
Attend or watch the Medicaid and Waivers webinar and complete the knowledge check if watching the recording (dates TBD).
Attend or watch the Medical Home webinar and complete the knowledge check if watching the recording (dates TBD).
Plan and complete an advocacy activity in your community.
Submit a reflection on your advocacy activity.
Complete the participant workbook

Participants who complete all program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and a $50 stipend in the form of a gift card.

Travel and Participant Support

PEAL may offer travel reimbursement for those in need. If you are interested in travel support, please email us at: [email protected].

Language Access

Spanish Interpretation is available for registered participants, please note that need on your registration.

PEAL prioritizes language access and welcomes all to attend. If you need interpretation in another language or have questions about language access, contact [email protected].

Accessibility and Accommodations

If you need accessibility accommodations or additional support to participate, please indicate in your registration or contact PEAL at [email protected].

For facility and accessibility information, please visit the venue websites: