DC Advocacy Partners

DC Advocacy Partners is a leadership training program designed for self-advocates and family members of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as well as professionals working with people with disabilities.

There is no cost to participate in the program.

Through this program, you will gain leadership skills and techniques to help develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel, and other community leaders. You will become a policy influencer, and will interact with policy makers and policy implementers regarding services that you and/or your family may use. You will be given opportunities to engage in interactive learning experiences and gain valuable information about current issues, services and strategies, as well as policymaking and legislative processes at local and national levels. As a part of this eight-month program, you will become a member of a DC network of community advocates working together to improve opportunities for Washingtonians with disabilities.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Disability History
• DC’s Service System & How it Applies to Individuals & Their Families
• Self-Advocacy vs. Systems Advocacy
• Inclusive Education
• Healthy Living 
• Community Organizing 
• Connecting Activities – Navigating the Community 
• Bringing it Home – Project Presentations & Graduation