Coalition of Texans with Disabilities — Future Leaders Advocacy Corps

Project Goal
Provide leadership development and self-advocacy training to people with developmental disabilities (DD) to prepare them for future public policy fellowships and other disability advocacy employment

Project Summary
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities provides advocacy and leadership skills training to Texans with DD across the state. The project supports participants in becoming effective candidates for future advocacy and policy-related jobs, including public policy fellowships. The coalition also offers a less intensive “Advocacy Corps Lite” version of the training for participants who have less time to commit to the program.   

TCDD supports leadership development and advocacy training led by self-advocates to create ways for people with DD to become leaders and to expand the participation of people with DD in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership coalitions. Training programs can promote self-determination and engagement in community capacity building and in policy discussions at the state and local levels. Self-advocates may also be supported to join state and local board and advisory groups for disability advocacy organizations and agencies that serve people with DD.