About Texas Partners in Policymaking
Laurie George, class of 2023, met with Mayor Parker of Fort Worth and received a proclamation for Disability Book Week and coordinated the mayor’s visit to local elementary school for a disability inclusive story time.
Texas Partners in Policymaking (Partners) is a leadership training program organized by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD). It is designed to empower adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members of people with DD to become effective advocates for policy change. The Partners program was created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities more than 30 years ago and has since been offered nationally and internationally.
Partners teaches leadership skills for fostering positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about the services that you and/or your family use through a series of accessible and interactive training sessions.
Graduates of the TCDD Partners program often go on to serve on boards, councils, task forces, and advisory committees; some run for elected office. Partners aims to advance systems change – creating, working toward, and achieving a vision of shared values regarding people with disabilities in communities across Texas. It is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and other policymakers. Participants attend seven weekend training sessions. Participants must have an interest in learning and practicing new skills in a welcoming and safe environment. They must have a desire to build and strengthen a network of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences as well as a willingness to learn from experts who share our vision and values. This training features classroom-style learning, such as listening to presentations, as well as interactive group activities and experiential learning.
Texas Partners in Policymaking (Partners) is a leadership training program organized by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD). It is designed to empower adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members of people with DD to become effective advocates for policy change. The Partners program was created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities more than 30 years ago and has since been offered nationally and internationally.
Partners teaches leadership skills for fostering positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about the services that you and/or your family use through a series of accessible and interactive training sessions.
Graduates of the TCDD Partners program often go on to serve on boards, councils, task forces, and advisory committees; some run for elected office. Partners aims to advance systems change – creating, working toward, and achieving a vision of shared values regarding people with disabilities in communities across Texas. It is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and other policymakers. Participants attend seven weekend training sessions. Participants must have an interest in learning and practicing new skills in a welcoming and safe environment. They must have a desire to build and strengthen a network of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences as well as a willingness to learn from experts who share our vision and values. This training features classroom-style learning, such as listening to presentations, as well as interactive group activities and experiential learning.
Texas Partners in Policymaking FAQs
What is Texas Partners in Policymaking?
This advanced leadership training program is for self-advocates and family members of people with developmental disabilities (DD). Through the course of the program, participants acquire the information and skills necessary to partner with policymakers and advocate for important disability issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
Participants develop innovative projects that improve the lives of people with DD in their communities. Ultimately, graduates work to impact policy and change systems so more people with DD are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives. Some of the graduates might go on to become policymakers themselves.
Partners is a project of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD).
When and where are the sessions held?
The program consists of six two-day training sessions held monthly from September to March. Sessions are generally held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Sessions are held online via video conference. In addition to the weekend sessions, participants attend monthly online meetings held on weekday evenings.
What is the format of the training program?
Training varies and may include in-person, classroom-style learning, or online video-conference meetings. In addition, participants engage in group discussions, develop group projects, and work on individual initiatives.
What is the time commitment for participants?
Participants are required to attend ALL training sessions. Also, participants are required to do activities between sessions, including homework assignments, advocacy activities, and capstone projects.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
There is no program fee. TCDD covers the cost for those selected.
Is there financial assistance available to help for respite/childcare, a personal assistant, or a personal support worker?
Partners does not provide direct services. However, a reimbursement allowance is offered to participants needing financial assistance. Participants must arrange their own services.
How are class participants selected?
A review committee, which includes Partners graduates, TCDD representatives, and other local leaders, will select participants based on several criteria.
Contact Brianna TenBrink if you have questions or need support
