Local graduate recommends Partners in Policymaking course for information, networking; application deadline July 22
Information is power. That is one of the lessons a local woman said she learned through a class aimed at advocating for people with disabilities.
International Falls resident Julie Bartkowski is a recent graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program held in eight monthly sessions in the Twin Cities. The free class focuses on a variety of topics related to people with disabilities.
She said she values the research, networking and communications skills she gained to advocate for her 14-year-old son, Jared, who has multiple disabilities.
“I know that I have a voice to make his life better,” Bartkowski said.
“It definitely jumpstarts you and makes you want to become more involved,” she said.
She said she felt especially empowered when meeting with state legislators and found the community of fellow participants to be a good resource, even on a personal level.
A current topic in the course, she said, was the threat of budget cuts at the state level which may affect programs for people with disabilities.
“I’ll do whatever I can to advocate for him and improve his lifestyle,” she said.
“I’m concerned about what the future will hold, what will be available for people with disabilities,” she said.
The Partners in Policymaking program invites applications for its eight-month leadership training program. People with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall.
“Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies and increased their self confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Governor’s Council. “Many have become leaders in their own communities as they speak up for people with disabilities.”
Bartkowski said there is still much more research that she needs to do on topics related to her son. She said she will be looking into options for her son, who will be a freshman in the fall, after graduation. Topics such as housing and employment options will be different for her son than for other people his age, she said.
“There’s so much as a parent we take for granted,” she said, listing the milestones parents look for in their children. “All of a sudden that picture is turned upside down.”
Eight sessions cover the history of the disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, and avenues to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. The two-day meetings are all held on weekends, from September to May 2012.
Applications are due by July 22 for the upcoming session. There is no cost to people selected for the program, adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities, since it is covered by a federal grant to the Minnesota Governor’s Council.
Child care, respite allowances and overnight accommodations are also provided for those who have to travel some distance to attend and mileage and meals are also covered by the grant. Sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.
Forty Minnesota residents are selected by a panel of Partners graduates and representatives of the Governor’s Council to take part in the program each year. Presenters include nationally recognized leaders in the disabilities area, as well as local experts. Each month’s course has a different topic.
Bartkowski said that although the classes could be seen as one more commitment for people with already full schedules, they are very valuable because of the information received and camaraderie among participants.
The program was created in 1987 by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The training is offered in almost every state and many foreign countries. Nearly 800 Minnesotans have completed the program and more than 16,000 have participated in Partners programs offered worldwide.
“This program is based on the belief that systems change is best brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, and we seek to arm them with the tools needed to be successful in the public policy arena,” said Wieck.
For more information or to receive an application form, go to www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking or contact Carol Schoeneck at 1-800-569-6878, ext. 205, or cschoeneck@mngts.org.
