Client News
Disability advocacy training program seeks applicants
Partners in Policymaking Academy teaches adults with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities how to effect change in local communities
INDIANAPOLIS – People with an interest in disability advocacy can now apply for an exclusive training program. The Partners in Policymaking Academy is seeking applications for its Class of 2010. Indiana residents with disabilities, as well as parents of children with disabilities, are invited to apply for the program, which teaches participants how to be effective advocates for people with disabilities. To better represent some segments of the population, recruiting this year is focused on minorities with disabilities, parents of young children with disabilities and people with disabilities who live in rural parts of the state.
The Academy is sponsored by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities and is offered every other year. Partners in Policymaking is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with policymakers. Participants complete intensive training over eight weekends, from October 2010 through May 2011, learning about advocacy topics such as the history of the disability rights movement and community inclusion. Other topics include legislation and lobbying, special education, social services, employment and community organizing.
“Our Partners graduates are a positive force in promoting inclusive communities across Indiana,” said Suellen Jackson-Boner, executive director of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. “We are pleased to continue the support of this dynamic program with a proven track record and a high return on investment.”
Partners graduate Greg Meyer of Indianapolis has successfully prompted the city to reconstruct an east-side intersection at U.S. Highway 40 and Mitthoeffer Road over the past year — a project he initiated to make traveling easier for pedestrians with disabilities. Gary Johnson of Huntington, another Partners graduate, led a successful effort to pass an Indiana law ensuring that service dogs have access to schools and workplaces.
More than 500 Hoosiers have graduated from the program since its inception. Class size is limited, but those who are selected receive a stipend to cover travel, child care, lodging and related expenses.
For more information or an application, or to arrange a group presentation, contact the Partners in Policymaking Academy at (317) 232-7771, (866) 234-1635 or PIP@gpcpd.org. Or, visit www.in.gov/gpcpd and click on Projects. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, June 4, 2010.
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The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities’ focus on advocacy and leadership training began in 1980 and has flourished in the areas of institutional advocacy, self-advocacy groups, Partners in Policymaking, grassroots efforts, community leadership and public policy. Over the past 25 years, the Council has empowered tens of thousands of Hoosiers with disabilities to create positive change throughout the state.