Partners in Policymaking

Partners in Policymaking Class 43: Session One

Congratulations to Class 43 of Partners in Policymaking for a successful kickoff weekend.

This session focused on History, the History of the Parent Movement, the History of the Independent Living Movement, and the History of the Self-Advocacy Movement. The weekend was capped off with a discussion of person-centered and person-directed supports. Thank you to faculty members Katie McDermott, Mary Raasch, Bonnie Jean Smith, and Colleen Wieck.

On Friday evening, a panel of past Partners graduates shared their experiences with the class. Kathy Ware, Crystal Anderson, Sumukha Terakanambi, and Reid Scheller described their activities since graduating from Partners.

See all photos from the session »

September 31, 2025

The New Edition of the Partners in Policymaking® Coordinator's Handbook Is Available Now

We are pleased to announce the release of the newly revised and updated Partners in Policymaking Coordinator's Handbook.

This is the ninth edition of the Handbook, designed to help Coordinators who are starting or restarting a Partners program as well as serve as a resource for Coordinators to maintain the quality of existing programs. The five free online learning courses have been incorporated into the curriculum, offering participants another avenue to strengthen and enrich their classroom experience.

This version is fully accessible and incorporates all current accessibility features.

Download and Read the Handbook >>

(11/20/24)

Members of Partners in Policymaking Class 41 participate in Disability and Progress KFAI Radio Show

Participants of Partners in Policymaking Class 41 Andrew Start, Daonna Depoister, Denny Hruby, and Steve Reinardy sat in the KFAI radio studio on May 9, 2024 to talk about their experience in learning and gathering resources to help advocate for people with disabilities. They joined Sam and Charlene this week for their radio program, Disability and Progress through KFAI radio which brings you insights into, ideas about, and discussions of disability topics, hosted each week. The participants of Partners in Policymaking Class 41 are graduating in May from their 9-month long disability advocacy and leadership training program. Partners in Policymaking® is a leadership training program for parents/legal guardians of young children with developmental disabilities and adults with disabilities.

May 13, 2024

The "Telling Your Story" App Has Been Updated

We are pleased to announce the release of an updated and simplified version of the "Telling Your Story" app. In six easy steps, create your personal story, tell how a policy issue affects you or your family, add a photo, and send your message directly to your elected public official.

iOS Version for iPhone and iPad available from the App Store

July 1, 2020

Partners in Policymaking®
Changing Lives. Changing Policies.

Since the Partners program was created in Minnesota in 1987, more than 27,000 self advocates and parents of children with developmental disabilities have graduated nationally and internationally. They comprise a network of trained advocates and leaders, working in partnership with their elected officials to positively change the way people with disabilities live, work, and are educated; and enjoy the benefits of being actively involved in their communities.

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this book traces the history of the Partners program. Through a collection of stories and testimonials, Partners graduates share the impact of the program on their lives as well as the many ways that the ADA has resulted in their greater inclusion and integration into the community and society at large. (7/28/15)

Download and read the book (accessible PDF)