Partners in Policymaking

Building The Next Generation of Leaders

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.

2026 Session Dates:

Session 1: January 22 – 24

Session 2: February 13 – 14

Session 3: March 13 – 14

Session 4: April 17 – 18

Session 5: May 22 – 23

Session 6: June 19 – 20

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.”