Partners in Policymaking

At AADD, we believe that people with disabilities deserve the dignity of vital relationships and real choices about their own lives. An underlying tenet of that philosophy is empowerment: providing the education and resources to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to establish a voice of their own and to use it.

AADD’s Partners in Policymaking training was established with exactly that vision in mind. It’s a comprehensive educational training that provides self-advocates and parents the tools to become better advocates for their families and for all individuals with disabilities in Georgia.

For the past 20 years, Partners in Policymaking has produced hundreds of graduates across the state who have strengthened the voices of individuals living with developmental disabilities. The intensive training is specially designed for self-advocates, parents and relatives of those with developmental disabilities.

The goal is simple: to establish and maintain productive partnerships between people needing and using services and those who make public policy and laws. To accomplish that objective, the training works to educate its participants about current issues and best practices and familiarize them with policymaking and the legislative processes at the local, state and federal levels. Participants also learn what they can do to act as a catalyst for change. Upon graduation, participants use their new skills to work to obtain state-of-the-art services for themselves and others.

Applications are now being accepted.  To apply, click here.