The Program

DC Advocacy Partners is an eight-month leadership training program designed to develop and train self-advocates and family members of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as well as professionals working with people with disabilities in the policymaking, influencing and implementing processes. 

DC AP’s goal is to empower a core group of district residents to work with policy makers to improve policies, programs and services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. There is no cost to participate in the program. Thousands of self-advocates and family members have graduated from similar programs across the county and make a difference every day for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Program Support

DC AP is funded by a grant from the DC Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), which seeks to strengthen the voice of people with developmental disabilities and their families in DC in support of greater independence, inclusion, empowerment and the pursuit of life as they choose.

About IEL

DC AP is a project of the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). Founded in 1964, IEL builds the capacity of individuals in education and related fields to work together across policies, programs and sectors in support of better results for all children and youth from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary education and work.  

Program Staff

Carly Fahey

Carly is a program associate at the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Center for Workforce Development. She is responsible for a variety of initiatives focused on youth in transition, including DC Advocacy Partners.

Jessica Fuentes-Diaz

Jessica is a program associate at the Institute for Educational Leadership with the Center for Workforce Development. She oversees digital communications including helping to manage multiple websites and social media accounts.

Contact DC AP

E-mail: faheyc@iel.org
Phone: 202-822-8405 x 122