Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners, July 28-31, 2025

  • This conference will bring together Pennsylvania’s educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore the latest insights, strategies, and tools that bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application.
  • Sessions will have a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs.
  • Participants will gain tangible strategies to enhance teaching practices, drive student success, and adapt to the evolving demands of today’s classrooms.

Location: The Penn Stater Conference Center State College, PA


Save the Date!

Art of Expression

Seeking works by student artists to display at The Penn Stater Conference Center, State College, during Bridging Knowledge to Know-How conference.

Submission deadline May 31st, 2025

Download the form

The Bridges Conference Youth Experiences

About the Camp:

Is a family member planning to attend the 2025 Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners Conference? High school students with disabilities are encouraged to attend the 2025 CS Camp: Code Arcade. Brought to you by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), this camp is a part of the 2025 Conference. Campers will explore CS college and career pathways through hands-on activities, field trips, and a game design project.

Flyer:   Download the CS Camp Code Arcade Flyer

Details:

Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday July 31, 2025

Times: 

  • Monday - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday - Wednesday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday - 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: The School located near the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA, which is the site of the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners Conference.  Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to/from the school and the conference center.

Eligibility:  Students with disabilities entering grade 9 - 12 (up to age 21) in fall 2025. It is expected that at least one parent or guardian attends the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference.

Fees: There is no cost to attend this camp.

Registration: To participate in the 2025 CS Camp: Code Arcade, registration is required. Registration is available through June 15, 2025. Space is limited, and spots will be filled in the order in which registrations are received.

Registration Link  Click here for registration options.

Questions?     Contact us via email CSCamp@pattan.net

About the Camp:

Camp InsPirAtion (formally The Children’s Institute) is a fun, engaging day camp experience available for individuals ages 4-21 with disabilities, and their siblings, whose parents/caregiver(s) are enjoying the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference. Brought to you by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), this camp’s focus is to provide a fun-filled experience for all campers. Campers can expect 4 filled days of water games, crafts, snow cones, gym activities, music, gaming, assemblies and more! Camp InsPirAtion is staffed by certified teachers, board certified behavior analysts, paraprofessionals, occupational therapists, and physical therapists with the goal of providing each individual camper an experience that meets their needs and preferences. Caregivers can relax and enjoy the great content at the conference, knowing that their child or young adult is enjoying themselves at camp. Come join us for some summer fun! 

Flyer:    Click here to view the flyer 

Details:

Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday July 31, 2025

Location: School located in close proximity to the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference. The conference is being held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Transportation, for parents and campers, the conference center will be provided to and from the conference center and the school  

Eligibility: All individuals with disabilities ages 4-21. Siblings are welcome too! It is expected that at least one parent or guardian attends the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference. 

Fees: There is no cost to attend this camp.  

Registration: To participate in Camp InsPirAtion, registration is required. Registration is available through June 15, 2025. Space is limited, and spots will be filled in the order in which registrations are received.

Registration Link:   Click Here for Registration Options 

Questions?    Contact us via email CampInspiration@pattan.net  

About the Summit:

Youth ages 14-21 are invited to attend the Youth Transition Summit at the Bridging Knowledge to Know How Conference! At the Summit youth will build important skills like leading their IEP team meeting, advocating for themselves, and planning for their future. The Youth Summit will be available on all four days of the conference. On Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday July 30, youth can attend the Transition Summit in the morning. In the afternoon, they can choose to continue attending conference sessions or participate in Camp insPirAtion.

  Download the flyer

Dates:

  • Monday, July 28 - Conference Keynote and Student Led IEP Process Workshop
  • Tuesday , July 29 - Morning Sessions around self advocacy, tools for transition planning.  Afternoon either attend general conference sessions or attend Camp Inspiration
  • Wednesday, July 30 - Morning Sessions around youth engagement and ways to get involved your transition plan.  Afternoon either attend general conference sessions or attend Camp Inspiration
  • Thursday , July 31 - Morning Sessions around Youth Advisory Committee and Combatting Abelism and closing keynote

Location: Penn Stater Hotel and Convention Center (if choosing summit/conference option) or Penn Stater Hotel and Convention Center and offsite location for Camp Inspiration (if choosing Summit/Camp Inspiration option)

Eligibility: All individuals with disabilities ages 14-21.

Fees: Included in conference registration (Scholarships may be available)

Registration: To participate, registration is required. Registration is available through June 15, 2025. Registration Link:   Click here to register

Questions?  Contact hmangis@pattanpgh.net 

Child Caregiver Reimbursement  

Are you a parent/guardian attending the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners Conference (July 28-21, 2025, in-person at the Penn State Conference Center or virtually)?  

Do you have a child/children 5 years of age or younger?  

If so, you may be eligible for child caregiver reimbursement. 

Child caregiver reimbursement is available through the Early Intervention and Tech Assistance (EITA) for parents/guardians for children 5 years of age or younger to attend conference sessions without their children.  

Guidelines for reimbursement  

  • Child caregiver reimbursement is available for families with children 5 years of age or younger. Families are responsible for making their own arrangements for childcare. 
  • Child caregiver reimbursement is provided for both in-person and virtual attendance at the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners Conference, July 28-31, 2025, where it is be expected that families participate without their children. 
  • The allowable rate for childcare is $15.00 an hour, up to 10 hours a day. 
    • The reimbursement is per family, not per child. 
    • Reimbursement can include the time of the event, as well as reasonable travel time before or after the event (to drop off or pickup a childfrom the location of caregiver), however cannot exceed 10 hours a day. 
  • Caregivers for your child/children who are eligible for reimbursement include: a family member, friend, or a childcare agency/provider. 
  • Reimbursement is not included for primary caregivers such as custodial family members. 
    • A name and signature of the caregiver is required documentation for reimbursement. 

Information for submission is located at the top of the form. Reimbursement is through Tuscarora Intermediate Unit, the fiscal office of Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA). Please be on the lookout for a reimbursement check from Tuscarora Intermediate Unit. 

Eligibility:  Families/ guardians who have children 0-5 who are attending the conference in-person or virtually. Reimbursement will be processed upon verification of conference attendance. 

  • Please complete and submit the below form no later than August 31, 2025. 

Reimbursement Form LinkEITA Childcare Reimbursement Form 

Questions? 

Contact Dr. Shelley Chapin schapin@pattan.net or Tom Miller CampInspiration@pattan.net 


Description: This conference will bring together Pennsylvania’s educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore the latest insights, strategies, and tools that bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application. Sessions will have a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs. Participants will gain tangible strategies to enhance teaching practices, drive student success, and adapt to the evolving demands of today’s classrooms. Visit our website at PaTTAN - Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Educators and Partners, July 28-31, 2025