Building The Next Generation of Leaders
Partners in Policymaking is a national leadership training program for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. It provides the most current knowledge about disability issues and develops the competencies necessary for effective advocacy to influence public policy at all levels of government.
Productive Partnerships
The goal of Partners in Policymaking is to achieve productive partnerships between people needing and using services and those who make public policy. It is designed to provide knowledge and skills building so that participants may work to obtain state of the art services for themselves and others.
Partners in Policymaking also educates participants about current issues and best practices and familiarizes them with policymaking and the legislative processes at the local, state and federal levels. Individual sessions are devoted to specific topics presented by nationally known experts in their fields.
6 Training sessions that could change your life!
For people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. Partners offers six weekend sessions in Baton Rouge over a six-month period for leadership development.
Visit the National Partners in Policymaking Site
2025 Partners in Policymaking Dates & Topics:
The Council is recruiting for the 2025 class! All classes are mandatory and held in Baton Rouge, LA. The program is FREE to all accepted participants. Meals and lodging will be covered for each session. Mileage reimbursement will also be covered for those driving from out of the Baton Rouge area.
The application deadline was September 30, 2024. The dates for the 2025 class are as follows:
Session 1: January 9-11, 2025
Session 2: February 21-22, 2025
Session 3: March 14-15, 2025
Session 4: April 11-12, 2025
Session 5: May 9-10, 2025
Session 6: June 6-7, 2025
Some of the topics include: History, Philosophy & Values, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Education, The Legislative Process, Supported Employment, Supported Living, Community Building, Community Organizing, and Systems Change Advocacy.
The application deadline has passed. We will begin recruiting again in the summer of 2025.
What Our Graduates Say
“Partners gave me the knowledge necessary to bring about systems change. Partners also gave me the confidence to be active in advocacy.”
“Partners has taught me to use my voice and follow through with advocating for others and myself.”
“It gave me a chance to gain networking skills and resources.”
“I feel I am now able to advocate for myself and others with disabilities.”
“Giving me the self-confidence I needed to be a better, stronger voice for not only my son but others in the disability community.”
“I have come to understand that systems change is actually possible and I can make a difference.”
“Gives parents and people with disabilities a chance to meet others in different situations, to interact together for a common goal.”