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Free training for disability advocates offered

RALEIGH — A statewide program, headed by Partners in Policymaking, that develops leadership and advocacy skills in support of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities is scheduled to begin Feb. 15 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 S. Salisbury St, Raleigh.

All eight training sessions begin at noon on Saturday and continue until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Program participants stay at the meeting hotel to facilitate attendance throughout the training weekends. The program receives funding from the N.C. Council on Developmental Disabilities and there is no cost to participants.

The 2014 Partners program applications must be received or postmarked by midnight on Jan. 10.

Partners in Policymaking is designed to better enable individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and parents of children with such disabilities to influence policymakers and to present their views on policies that affect them.

The program is based on the belief that the most significant and enduring public policy decisions have been brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, working together with public officials, and policy specialists. It covers a range of topics such as the history of disability policy, inclusive education, supported and independent employment, and the state and federal legislative process, communicating effectively in meetings, and interacting with policy leaders, legislators, and the media.