Partners in Policymaking

Register for Partners in Policymaking Class 44

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is now accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class 44 advocacy and leadership training program developed by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities!

You can find Class 44 dates, information, and marketing materials, as well as apply for the program at Class 44, 2026-2027 Partners in Policymaking.

What is Partners in Policymaking?

Partners in Policymaking® is a leadership training program for parents and legal guardians of young children with disabilities and adults with disabilities. Created in 1987 by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Partners program has been offered nationally and internationally. Through informative and interactive sessions, the program teaches leadership skills and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about the services that you and/or your family use. Partners is accessible, informative and empowering. Since 1987, almost 1,200 self-advocates and parents have graduated in Minnesota.

To participate, the Partners program requires:

A commitment to attend all eight sessions.
An interest in learning and practicing new skills in a comfortable and safe environment.
A desire to build and strengthen a network of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences.
A willingness to learn from national and state experts who share our vision and values.

Who can apply?

The program is designed for parents/legal guardians of young children with developmental disabilities and adults with disabilities.

How do l apply?

For a list of frequently asked questions, list of session dates and locations, as well as apply online, visit the Class 44 website: Class 44, 2026-2027 Partners in Policymaking

To request a hard copy application, email Brenton Rice at brenton@TOGevents.com.

June 15, 2026

Partners in Policymaking Class 43: Session Four

Congratulations to Class 43 on completing the fourth weekend of Partners in Policymaking. On Friday, January 16, 2026, Jennifer Knapp, Scott Schifsky, Maria Trueblood, and Jayne Hager Dee served as faculty covering housing topics and communication styles. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Dr. Steven Hunt spent the day discussing customized employment.

See all photos from the January session »
See all photos from the November session »
See all photos from the October session »
See all photos from the September session »

November 20, 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)