Council-Sponsored Grant Activities
Partners in Policymaking Class 40
Congratulations to Class 40 and completion of the first weekend of Partners in Policymaking. The weekend focuses on the history of developmental disabilities, the history of the parent movement, the history of the independent living movement, the history of self-advocacy, and person-centered planning and directed services.


Class 40 completed the second weekend of Partners in Policymaking. The topics were Inclusive Education and Civil Conversations featuring Patrick Schwarz, Kit Welchin, and a roundtable of Minnesota Department of Education experts. These photos show the Partners practicing their civil conversation skills by enacting skits from their own experiences with the disability system.
Read the complete Partners Class 40 report »
2022 – 2023 Ambassadors for Respect
Ambassadors for Respect(A4R) program mid-year update
Purpose: to strengthen self-advocacy in Minnesota and bullying prevention efforts in schools.
A4R Partner Programs are in full swing with training fourth graders. There are currently 52 Ambassadors, from 8 Partner Programs, who have been preparing for and delivering trainings. These Ambassadors have gained skills in leadership, public speaking, team collaboration and violence prevention.
Read the complete Ambassador for Respect report »

Ambassadors from Merrick, Inc leading a training.

Ambassadors from Focus Beyond celebrate after a training.