JEFFERSON CITY – Adults with disabilities are invited to take their leadership and advocacy skills to the next level through a free virtual training program.
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Missouri Partners in Policymaking class.
Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are eligible to apply. Also, family members or supported decision-makers of children up to age 17 old, who have IDD, can apply.
Partners in Policymaking is a national curriculum that teaches how to advocate for changing systems for those with IDD. Graduates of the program connect with legislators, serve on boards, and help influence policies. “The goal is for people with IDD to guide policymakers on laws that affect them,” said Stacy Morse, project coordinator for the program.
A recent Partners graduate, Marlene G. said, “Partners completely changed the way I look at disabilities. My perspective was all negative. The information I acquired in Partners in Policymaking makes me feel confident on the journey to help better my son to navigate for help. This program has been a blessing to me and my family.”
Participants must commit to all virtual sessions, complete homework, and submit a final project on systems change. There are over 500 graduates in Missouri and many serve on the MODD Council.
After learning leadership skills and advocacy techniques from state and national experts, participants will work with decision-makers to positively impact services for people with disabilities.
The deadline to apply is Friday, November 1, 2024. The application and more information can be found at https://moddcouncil.org/partners-in-policymaking/ .
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is a federally funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life.
To learn more about MODDC or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.