Disability advocate training program

February 16, 2008

media.com/articles/2008/02/15/warricknews/community/03training.txt

People with an interest in disability advocacy can now apply for an

exclusive training program. The Partners in Policymaking Academy is

seeking applications for its Class of 2008. Indiana residents with

disabilities, as well as parents of children with disabilities, are

invited to apply for the program, which teaches participants how to

be effective advocates for people with disabilities.

The academy is sponsored by the Indiana Governor's Council for People

with Disabilities and is offered every other year. Partners in

Policymaking 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 policymakers. Participants complete

intensive training over eight weekends, from October through May,

learning about advocacy topics such as the history of the disability

rights movement and community inclusion. Other topics include

legislation and lobbying, special education, social services,

employment and community organizing.

" Our Partners graduates are doing great things throughout Indiana to

improve the lives of Hoosiers with disabilities, " said Suellen

-Boner, executive director of the Governor's Council. " We hope

to continue growing the program so that more advocates can learn how

to make their voices heard and take action to promote an inclusive,

accessible society for all people in the community. "

Partners graduate Greg Meyer of Indianapolis has successfully

prompted the city to reconstruct an east side intersection at U.S.

Highway 40 and Post Road over the past year — a project he initiated

to make traveling easier for pedestrians with disabilities. And Jay

Carlson of Warsaw, also a graduate, helps local businesses ensure

they are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by

conducting free surveys of their facilities.

More than 500 Hoosiers have graduated from the program since its

inception. Class size is limited, but those who are selected receive

a stipend to cover travel, child care, lodging and related expenses.

For more information or an application, or to arrange a group

presentation, contact the Partners in Policymaking Academy at 317-232-

7771, 866-234-1635, PIP@.... or visit www.in.gov/gpcpd and

click on Projects. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, June 2.

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