Partners in Policymaking

The Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking program is a six-session advocacy training to prepare future leaders around the state who can work with lawmakers and communities to support the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

Dates for the Class of 2024/2025 are:

• November 1 & 2, 2024 (Madison*)
• December 6 & 7, 2024 (Virtual only)
• January 10 & 11, 2025 (Virtual only)
• February 21 & 22, 2025 (Virtual only)
• April 4 & 5, 2025 (Madison*)
• May 2 & 3, 2025 (Madison*)

*If attending in person is difficult, please contact Jenny Neugart, Project Manager at Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov to discuss options.

Who can attend? 

We are looking for motivated individuals who want to create inclusive communities and are:

• Parents or primary caregivers of children under 21 with developmental disabilities
• Adults with developmental disabilities
• Adult siblings or family members of individuals with developmental disabilities

We want cultural and geographic diversity in the group attending. Participants will be chosen by a team of parents, self-advocates, and professionals.

What is required of you?

You are expected to:

• Participate in all two‐day trainings and complete all homework assignments.
• Attendance is required, from Friday at 12:30 p.m. to Saturday at 3pm. Only people selected to participate will be able to attend (with supports as needed). Aside from attendant care, additional family members and friends cannot attend sessions.
• Join in networking, advocacy activities, interviews, readings (available in various formats), and other projects.
• Develop and put in place a project that improves the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
• Arrange for any 1 on 1 support needed to attend, including arranging any training needed for caregivers to meet your support needs. Remember: support people are not Partners participants and should limit their role during the program to the direct supports of participants.

Core Values

Core values are what a person or group of people believe that helps guide their life or work. Participants must agree to support the core values of the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. Please confirm your support for these values before applying.

What is the cost? 

Partners is funded by BPDD and covers costs associated with the training, hotel rooms, meals, and materials.

Topics covered

• History of the disability rights movement
• Self-determination, self-advocacy, and person-centered planning
• Disability policy and ways to change systems of support
• Community engagement, organizing, and grassroots advocacy
• School inclusion, integrated employment, and community-supported living
• The legislative process and legislative advocacy