Trainings & Conferences

Partners in Policymaking:  Apply Now for the Class of 2011

Become a more knowledgeable and effective advocate for yourself, your child, and others!

Are you an adult with a developmental disability or the parent of a young child with disabilities?  Do you want to be a more knowledge and effective advocate for your own or your child’s rights?  Do you want to join a statewide corps of Virginians active in public discussions of policies and practices affecting people with disabilities?  If so, the Board must receive your application to participate in the 2010-2011 session of Partners in Policymaking by no later than April 30, 2010. 

Partners attend eight two-day sessions in Richmond between September and May led by state and national experts who prepare them to use the power of advocacy to change the way that they, their families, and others with disabilities are understood, supported, taught, live, work, and play in their communities.  Their training covers the history of the disability rights movement, self-advocacy, independent living, supported employment, building inclusive communities, natural supports, legislative advocacy, assistive technology, communications, and team building. 

The Board pays all expenses for training, lodging, meals, and travel.  It also works with participating self-advocates to arrange personal care support services and with parents to arrange respite care.  Participants, in return, must agree to complete all homework and class assignments as well as one major project that demonstrates their new competencies.