Partners in Lifelong Support Since 1966
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Online Learning

Check Out “Partners in Policymaking” Program E-learning Site for Courses Created for People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Caregivers

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has created an e-learning site for its “Partners in Policymaking” program, which is a program designed to educate participants to be active partners with those who make policy and to develop partnerships that are based on positive relationships. The e-learning site gives “Partners in Policymaking” participants the opportunity to supplement their learning; a place where program graduates can refresh their skills and stay current on best practices; and is also a site where others can increase their knowledge and understanding of best practices in the disability field, and learn how to communicate effectively with their elected officials in the continuing struggle to prevent the loss of basic rights for people with disabilities.


Making Your Case

This three-hour self-study course is designed to help people with disabilities and their families create positive change through advocacy. The course helps participants understand the legislative process, the essential elements of good advocacy, identify and research personal issues, then advocate for systems change as individuals and as part of larger community efforts. The course includes opportunities to put what has been learned into practice through a series of interactive exercises.


Partners in Education

This three-hour self-directed course was created to help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand and maximize the special education system. The course focuses on a child’s right to a free, appropriate public education; the laws that protect those rights; and offers practical ways that parents can ensure that their children benefit from an inclusive education.


Partners in Employment

This six-hour self-study course is designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and plan a career. In this course, participants will create a résumé, or portfolio of their strengths, skills and interests; learn how to network and identify potential employers; prepare for an interview; and understand the hiring process.


Partners in Living

This seven-hour, self-directed e-learning course has been created to help people with developmental disabilities, their parents, family members and friends, educators and service providers explore and understand the important concepts of self-determination, family support, community living and assistive technology. Every person has the right to a full, meaningful life. The definition of a “meaningful life” isn’t the same for every person. What is meaningful to you may not be as important to your sibling, roommate, coworker or neighbor. In this course, participants decide what is a meaningful life to them and how they can achieve a life that is independent, inclusive, productive, self-determined and integrated.


Partners in Time

This eight-hour self-study was created to help people with developmental disabilities, their parents, family members and friends, educators and service providers understand the history of society’s treatment of people with disabilities from ancient times through the present. The course focuses on the way that people with disabilities lived, learned and
worked throughout history and growth of the Disability Rights Movement. The course also introduces some of the individuals and groups whose efforts resulted in new ways of thinking about people with disabilities and their rights.