Often described as a life changing experience for participants, the Partners in Policymaking program is inviting applications for its eight-month leadership training program. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall. Created over 24 years ago by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the training is offered in almost every state and many foreign countries. Applications are due by July 22.

The 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. To make it easier to participate, the two-day meetings are all held on weekends, from September to May 2012.

There is no cost to individuals selected for the Partners 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. All eight sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.

Limited to 40 participants, all of whom must be Minnesota residents, class members are selected by a panel of Partners graduates and representatives of the Governor’s Council. The first session is scheduled for Sept. 16-17. Presenters include nationally recognized leaders in the disabilities area, as well as local experts.

Those selected to participate in the program are expected to attend all meetings and to complete homework assignments between the sessions.

For further information or to receive an application form, interested individuals can go to the web page, www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking or contact Carol Schoeneck at GTS Educational Events, at 651-222-7409, ext. 205 or 1-800-0569-6878, ext. 205, or she may be emailed at cschoeneck@mngts.org.