Partners in Policymaking® Leadership Institute Tennessee

Partners in Policymaking is designed for Tennessee residents who are:

• Adults with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities.
• Parents, adult siblings, and other family members of individuals with developmental disabilities.

[See the definition of developmental disability here.]

Partners focuses on core values from the Developmental Disabilities Act:

• Self-determination
• Independence
• Inclusion

You will learn practical skills and gain resources to advocate effectively in all areas of life, such as:

• Advocacy and Engagement
• Daily Life and Employment
• Healthy Living
• Community Living
• Safety and Security
• Social and Spirituality

(Why these areas? Our curriculum uses the Charting the LifeCourse Framework Life Domains, which helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. You'll learn more about LifeCourse - and how to use LifeCourse tools in your everyday life.)

Partners won’t make you an expert in every disability issue or program. However, Partners will help you:

• Know how to work on solutions for disability-releated issues and needs,
  
• Know where to go for help and information
• Know how to use the power of your voice and story to create change

Partners will help you use what you learn to benefit the wider disability community.

The end goal: voices of people with disabilities and their families bringing positive change to every Tennessee community and to all the systems and services that affect their lives.

Partners is an 8-month program (September – April).

You will meet for class sessions once a month:

• September 17, 2025 (Wednesday) – virtual evening orientation
• October 3-4, 2025 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person at a hotel in Middle Tennessee
• November 13, 2025 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session
• December 11, 2025 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session
• January 15, 2026 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session
• February 13-14, 2026 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person in Middle Tennessee
• March 5, 2026 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session
• April 17-18, 2026 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person in Middle Tennessee, including graduation
  

Graduation is held at the final April session.

Between class sessions, we use Google Classroom to:

• Share resources
• Post assignments
• Encourage discussion among classmates

If you're new to Google Classroom, don’t worry!  We go over the basics together during orientation.

Partners in Policymaking is for all types of learners. We support all learning styles and will work with you to provide any accommodations you need so you can fully participate.

Here’s what to expect:

Before each session you will:

• Watch and answer questions about recorded content – for example, video stories or presentations from experts that you can watch on your own time
• Explore our “Go Deeper” library of resources on the topics you’re learning about
• Complete occasional homework – for example, scheduling a meeting with your state legislators for Disability Day on the Hill

During each session you will:

• Join class (with camera on for virtual sessions)
  
• Participate in class discussion
• Work with 1–2 classmates on a group project called your Advocacy Action Plan

Your Advocacy Action Plan is a real-world project you’ll work on after graduation. You’ll have time in class and support from Council staff to build it. You can also choose to be matched with a mentor, (someone who is a past graduate) who’ll support you after the program.

You will have class time and support from Council staff to work on your projects.

After graduation you will:

• Work with your group to carry out your Action Plan
• Stay connected through our newsletter and graduate network
• Share updates with the Council about how you’re using what you learned in Partners
• Contact the Council when you need help to work on disability barriers or issues
  
• Continue learning and accessing resources through our “Go Deeper” library
  

Some examples of specific topics include:

• Disability history and rights
• How to talk to legislators and tell your story -  including media skills
  
• Daily living and employment supports - including how to use LifeCourse tools to find supports and plan for a good life
  
• Housing and transportation barriers and resources
  
• Behavioral health tools - for you and your loved ones
• Criminal justice and and law enforcement issues that affect people with disabilities
  
• Supported decision-making
• Financial tools and planning
• Using technology to grow independence
• How to prepare for Disability Day on the Hill
• And more!

No! We are able to cover or reimburse all your costs.

• Your hotel room and meals will be provided for in-person sessions.
  
• We will reimburse your allowable travel expenses to and from in-person sessions.
• The Council may be able to reimburse you for personal assistance care for yourself or respite care for a family member at home during your Partners sessions (including virtual sessions, if needed). These reimbursements will need to be approved ahead of time. 
  

You will need to have access to internet service and a computer with a web camera in order to participate in virtual sessions and complete the Partners coursework.