Partners in Policymaking Class 44

Session 1: HISTORY
Friday/Saturday, September 18-19, 2026

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND OTHER RESOURCES:

• Partners in Time Online Course
• Parallels in Time
• Partners in Policymaking®: Changing Lives. Changing Policies
• Virtual Meetings: Accessibility Checklist & Best Practices (americanbar.org)
• Bending the Arc of Disability History | MNDDC
• Customer Research | MNDDC
• Treat People Like People
• Ambassadors for Respect — PeaceMaker Minnesota (peacemakermn.org)
• Olmstead Academy on mission to change narrative about people living with disabilities - CBS Minnesota (cbsnews.com)
• Hadamar: The Forgotten Holocaust (Documentary)

INSTITUTIONAL HISTORY ARTICLES:

• The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models by Wolf Wolfensberger, Syracuse University
• From Feeblemindedness to Self-Advocacy, a Half Century of Growth and Self-Fulfillment by Gunnar Dybwad, Heller School, Brandeis University

PARENT HISTORY AND PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE:

• Disability is Natural by Kathie Snow
• People First Language
• Respectful Language
• Disability Language Style Guide

INDEPENDENT LIVING:

• Ed Roberts section on the Council website
• A Conversation with Ed Roberts, California, "We Won't Go Away" video: 
  Part 1 & Part 2:
• National Disability Policy:
  1) National Council on Disability | National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, 2024
  
  2) National Disability Policy Civil Rights Resources
• ADA Legacy Project

SELF ADVOCACY

• The Arc Position Statements
• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)
• Self Advocacy Movement (Parallels in Time)
• Advocating Change Together

MINNESOTA HISTORY

• With An Eye to the Past
• With An Eye to the Future
• Minnesota Olmstead Plan / Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office (mn.gov)
• Person-centered practices / Minnesota Department of Human Services

Session 2: INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Friday/Saturday, October 16-17, 2026

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• Partners in Education Online Course
• The Top Questions Asked about Special Education, with Patrick Schwarz
• The Convergence of Disability Law and Policy, Rud Turnbull feature and video
• Lou Brown Interview
• Positive Behavior Supports, Dr. Herb Lovett
• Positive Behavior Supports, Mike Mayer
• History and Evolution of Behavioral Approaches & Interventions, Derrick Dufresne

GENERAL RESOURCE MATERIALS ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION:

• Toolkit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities
• COVID-19: Distance Learning
• How to be a Good Advocate for Your Child in Special Education Service
• Cómo Ser un Buen Intercesor para su Hijo(a) con Servicios Educativos Especiales | AyudaLegal Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Yuav ua cas thiaj ua tau Tus Sawv Cev Zoo rau Koj Tus Menyuam nyob hauv Kawm Ntawv Tshwj Xeeb (Special Education Services) | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Sida loogu noqdo Taakuleeye Fiican Ilmahaaga hela Adeegyada Waxbarashada Gaarka ah | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• LawHelpMN.org- Search by topic. Resources available in English, Espanol, Hmoob, Somali.
• Questions and Answers on Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents in Private Schools (PDF)
• Assistive Technology and Schools (lawhelpmn.org)
• Tecnología Asistencial y las Escuelas (lawhelpmn.org)
• Txuj Ci Tshiab Pab Neeg thiab Tsev Kawm Ntawv | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Farsamada Caawinta ah iyo Iskuulada | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Student Suspensions (lawhelpmn.org)
• Suspensión de Estudiantes | AyudaLegal Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Rho Menyuam Kawm Ntawv Tawm Ib Ntus | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Ka Joojinta Ardayga Dugsiga | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• The Rights of Children with Disabilities to Get Services in Daycare (lawhelpmn.org)
• Los Derechos de Niños con Discapacidades a Recibir Servicios en la Guardería | AyudaLegal Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)

• Yuav ua cas thiaj ua tau Tus Sawv Cev Zoo rau Koj Tus Menyuam nyob hauv Kawm Ntawv Tshwj Xeeb (Special Education Services) | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)

• Xaquuqda ah in ilmaha Naafada ahi ay helaan Adeegyada Xanaanadda Ilmaha | LawHelp Minnesota (lawhelpmn.org)
• Assistive Technology Appeals: Medical Assistance (lawhelpmn.org)
• Assistive Technology Appeals: Private Insurance (lawhelpmn.org)

MINNESOTA SPECIFIC RESOURCES

• The Child Find Mandate: What Does It Mean to You?
• Developing IEPs in Minnesota (2014)
  • PACER's Guide to the IEP for Minnesota Parents
  • Developing Your Child's IEP | Center for Parent Information and Resources (parentcenterhub.org)
• IEP Implementation and Review (2014)
  • Archived: IEP Guide relating to IDEA 97 (does not apply to newer IDEA 2004 Reauthorization) (PDF)
• Independent Education Evaluations in Minnesota (2014)
• Termination of Services (2014)
• Tools for Your Future – how assistive technology can be used in education
• Minnesota Special Education Experience Study 2014
• Understanding Assistive Technology
• D-2 Assistive Technology Appeals – MA (lawhelpmn.org)
• D-3 Assistive Technology Appeals – Private Insurance (lawhelpmn.org)
• Will Medical Assistance Pay for Assistive Technology?
• MN Inclusive Higher Education Consortium
• Think College
  • College-Based Transition Services | Think College
  • 20 Powerful Strategies to Prepare for Postsecondary Education | Think College
  • Information and Resources for Families | Think College
  • Resources for Families and Educators | Think College
  • Preparing Your Son Or Daughter for College (PDF) | Think College
• Career and College Readiness (High School)
  • Career Technical Education (mn.gov)
  • Earn College Credit in High School (mn.gov)
  • Graduation Requirements (mn.gov)

MINNESOTA MALTREATMENT AND EMERGENCY PLANNING RESOURCES:

• Student Maltreatment
• Confidential Maltreatment Reporting Form
• Student Maltreatment Information Sheet

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Health Conditions Information Sheets
• Parental Rights
• Due Process Rights, Data Privacy and Other Student Rights
• Records Review Check Lists for Part C (Birth to age 3) and Part B (Ages 3 to 21)
• The Pop-Up IEP – Significant Support Need Version
• Person-Centered Practices – DDS Learning
• Assistive Technology Manual

Session 3: COUNTY'S ROLE IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Friday/ Saturday, November 13-14, 2026

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• Partners in Making Your Case Online Course

MINNESOTA RESOURCES:

• Disability Minnesota (one stop to MN state agency programs, services, products)
• Minnesota Disability Law Center
• Disability Services Division e-List
• Assistive Technology for Employment
• Assistive Technology for Education
• AT One-Stop
• Employment First / Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Human Service Programs: Relationship between Federal, State, and Local Governments– 2-page overview
• Minnesota Department of Health Home Visiting Programs – An 8-page publication that provides information on home visiting programs supported by the MDH and funded with money administered by MDH.
• Minnesota's Olmstead Plan:
  • Putting the Promise of Olmstead into Practice: Minnesota's Olmstead Plan (mn.gov)
  • Plan Documents and Reports / Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office
  • Minnesota Olmstead Plan / Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office
• Department of Human Services (DHS) FACT SHEETS/BULLETINS
  • Family Support Grant Program
  • Personal Care Assistance
  • Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)
  • Minnesota Health Care Programs
  • Alternative Care Program
  • Brain Injury Waiver
  • Community Alternative Care Waiver
  • Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver
  • Developmental Disabilities Waiver
  • Consumer Support Grant Program
  • DHS Licensing
  • Long-Term Care Consultation Services
  • DHS Email Subscriptions
  • Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities
  • MnCHOICES
  • Spousal Impoverishment Protections and Standards
  • Minnesota tribal and county directory
  • CDCS and CSG fiscal changes / Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Minnesota State Statutes:
  • Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
  • Definitions
  • County Board Case Management Responsibilities
  • Chapter 245D
  • Section 256B.092 – Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
  • Section 252.44 – County Board Responsibilities
  • Section 252.50 State Operated Programs
  • Open Meeting Law
• County Government
  • History of County Government and County Government Structure
  • Duties of a County Commissioner
  • County Code of Ethics
  • So You Want to Be a County Commissioner
  • The A-B-Cs of Parliamentary Procedure
  • Treat People Like People Campaign

NATIONAL RESOURCES:

• Understanding Supplemental Security Income, SSI for Children
• You and Your Rights

Session 4: PERSONAL LIVING AND SUPPORTED & CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT
Friday/Saturday, January 15-16, 2027

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• Partners in Employment Online Course
• Partners in Living Online Course

SECTION 1. HOUSING/COMMUNITY LIVING

• Disability Rights in Housing
• Housing Access Services and Housing Stabilization Services (from The Arc Minnesota)
• Developmental Disabilities Waiver (PDF)
• Housing Access Services: Movers (Video)
• MnCHOICES Assessment and Support Plan
• Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)
• Priced Out in the United States

SECTION 2. EMPLOYMENT

• Justice Department Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Employment Services for People with Disabilities
• Work Incentives Connection
  • SSI Work Incentives | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA
  • SSI and 3 Paycheck Months
  • What are ABLE Accounts? ABLE National Resource Center
  • MA-EPD
  • PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support)
  • Student Earned Income Exclusion
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Internal Revenue Service
  • Disability Services | Goodwill Easter Seals
• Disability Benefits 101
• Work Without Limits – Putting abilities to work in Massachusetts
• Employees' Practical Guide to Negotiating and Requesting Accommodation Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Think Work!
• DHS Bulletin Regarding MA-EPD
• My Next Move: What do you want to do for a living?
• O*NET Online – Career exploration and job analysis tool
• The Essential Elements of Customized Employment for Universal Application
• The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives (January 2020)
• Social Security - The Red Book - What's New In 2023? (ssa.gov)

Session 5: COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Friday/Saturday, February 12-13, 2027

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• Partners in Making Your Case Online Course

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING LINKS

• Video presentations with Professor John McKnight about Community Building with links to a collection of his papers and other documents
• Heartland Center for Leadership Development

Resources for Organizers:

• Internet Activism
• Neighborhood Funders Group
• Community Tool Box
• Progressive Technology Project
• Getting People to Help

Additional Resources Related to Community Organizing:

• Data Practices in Minnesota
• Parliamentary Procedure

Session 6: MINNESOTA'S LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Sunday/Monday, March 14-15, 2027 (Sunday/Monday)

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• Partners in Making Your Case Online Course
• Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State
• Telling Your Story App
  • iOS Version for iPhone and iPad available from the App Store

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LINKS

Welcome to the Minnesota House of Representatives

• Session Daily
• House Member Information
• Committee Information
• House Facebook
• House YouTube
• House Twitter
• Committees – Role and How to Testify
• Tune Into Your Minnesota Legislature
• Minnesota State and Federal Offices
• Minnesota State Government Series
• House Television and Mobile Streaming Schedule
  

MINNESOTA SENATE LINKS

• Welcome to the Minnesota Senate
• Senate Committees
• Minnesota Senate Members

OTHER MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES

• Glossary of Terms
• Procedures (Parliamentary)
• Citizen Participation
• Minnesota State Legislature – How to Follow a Bill
• Legislative Reference Library

OTHER RESOURCES

• Making Your Case
• Making-Your-Case-Spanish2.pdf (mn.gov)
• Making-Your-Case-Dari-Persian.pdf (mn.gov)
• Making-Your-Case-Oromo.pdf (mn.gov)
• Making Your Case-Somali (mn.gov)

Department of Human Services (DHS) Waiver Fact Sheets:

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver
• Brain Injury Waiver
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver
• Community Alternative Care Waiver

How to Talk about Disability and Human Rights (FrameWorks Institute)

State Legislative Process:

• "How a Bill Becomes a Law in Minnesota" (MPR News video)

Session 7: FEDERAL ISSUES
Friday/Saturday, April 9-10, 2027

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

ONLINE TRAINING AND RESOURCES:

• 35th Anniversary of the ADA
• Medicaid: Supporting and Saving Lives of Minnesotans with Developmental Disabilities
• Disability Justice Resource Center

FACT SHEETS

• ABLE Act
• Community Living
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Social Security and SSI
• Medicaid and Health Care
• Disability Integration Act (DIA)
• DIA Summary
• EMPOWER Care Act

GENERAL RESOURCES

• Federal Government Org Chart
• CPSD Values & Principles for Policy Framework
• CPSD Issue Brief: Is supported Employment a Good Investment for Taxpayers
• "The Dignity of Risk" (Robert Perske)
• Job Applicants and the ADA
• ADA Home Page
• ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials
• Your Path to Government Benefits
• Employees' Practical Guide to Requesting and Negotiating Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (askjan.org)

Session 8: GRADUATION WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday, May 14-15, 2027

Participant Reimbursement
Respite Care/Child Care Reimbursement
Time Match Form

Resource Packet

• Roles and Responsibilities of Office Bearers
• Serve on a Nonprofit Board | BoardSource
• Board Roles and Responsibilities | National Council of Nonprofits
• Board Orientation | National Council of Nonprofits

Advocacy Resources

• Changing Policies, Changing Lives
• 50 Year Video Clip
• Invisibility
• Disability and Progress: Partners Class 39
• What has been the impact of Partners in Policymaking? | Kathie Snow