Purpose
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21) and family members of children and transition age youth coordinated through a collaboration of New Jersey’s Developmental Disabilities Act Network Partners— The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD), and Disability Rights New Jersey—and funded by NJCDD. The goal of this program is to prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in our state.
Through participation in in-person and virtual educational leadership development sessions and completion of online assignments, selected participants learn about best practices and important areas for advocacy from nationally-known experts. Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life
- Be members of advisory boards and committees
- Work alongside policymakers and state agencies