Testimonials

As a trainee in the Partners program, I now have a framework to help me make a difference for people with disabilities. I testified at a Joint Finance Committee meeting of the Delaware State Legislature,and I spoke as a parent of a young child with a disability in support of continued funding. I was terrified but thanks to Partners, I had the courage to testify.

I was scared when I testified... no I was very, very, very nervous. I can only get better.

Unfortunately, Delaware is one of those few states that does not have a statewide, comprehensive system of early intervention services. My three year old was not served by P. L. 99-457. I used to be angry that the parents before me did not advocate enough to get legislation passed, well now I am putting my anger to work.

Nearly 200 individuals have graduated from the Partners in Policymaking program in Delaware. This article, from DelAware, the newsletter of the Delaware Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Disabilities Studies, includes a brief overview of the Partners program and testimonials from recent graduates.