Applications Open for Texas Partners in Policymaking

Calling on disability advocates! Are you ready to be a catalyst for policy change and shape the future of Texas communities? We are happy to announce that Texas Partners in Policymaking (Partners) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 class. Partners is the premier training program for disability advocates in Texas. Organized by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), it teaches adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members of people with DD to become effective advocates for policy change. Unlock your potential, build influential partnerships, and champion policy evolution for Texans with DD.

About the Program

Partners teaches leadership and advocacy skills to people with DD and their family members. These skills help participants foster positive partnerships with elected officials and policymakers who make decisions about the services that people with DD and their family members use. 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.

Who should apply?

Partners is seeking people with DD and family members of people with DD who are serious about advancing their advocacy skills. Participants must have an interest in learning and practicing new skills in a welcoming and safe environment. They must have a desire to build 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 that includes listening to presentations, interactive group activities, and experiential learning. The program consists of six weekend training sessions that take place virtually. Participants must attend all trainings to graduate from the program.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step? Apply online to be part of the 2024-2025 class! The deadline to apply is March 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CT. If you have any questions or need accommodations to complete the online application, please contact Leadership and Advocacy Program Manager, Brianna TenBrink.