Each of the eight two-day sessions is devoted to specific topics with presenters who are experts in their fields. Partners are expected to complete assignments between sessions and to commit to one major personal goal – these might be serving an internship, organizing a letter-writing campaign, or arranging special receptions or town meetings for the public and town officials.

Each session is devoted to specific topics with nationally known experts as presenters. Partners participants must complete assignments between sessions and commit to one major assignment, such as serving an internship, organizing a letter writing campaign, organizing special receptions or town meetings for public officials.

 In general, session topics may include:

• History of the Independent Living, Parent and Self-Advocacy movements

• Issues in Education for People with Developmental Disabilities

• Self-Directed Living

• Supported Employment and Work

• Family Support

• Positive Behavioral Supports

• Federal Policy and Legislative Issues

• State Policy, Services and legislative Issues

• Interaction with State Policymakers

• Community Organizing and Successful Advocacy Organization Efforts

 The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting applications from interested people who have developmental disabilities or are relatives/guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in Partners in Policymaking.

Hands-On Training

A series of eight consecutive monthly training sessions begin in April and conclude with graduation in November. The monthly sessions begin each

Saturday at 12 noon and conclude on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Attendance at all eight sessions is mandatory. The exact dates for this year will be made available with your application.

 Participation

The Council on developmental Disabilities is eager that members of each partner in Policymaking class represent a cross-section of disability, ethnic background and geographic location within the state.

 Space is Limited!

Only a limited number of applications are accepted, statewide, each year. Interested persons are urged to complete and submit an application as soon as possible. An interview is part of the selection process. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.

 Expenses