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WI Partners in Policymaking 2026-27 Application

Partners Description

Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program that develops future leaders across the state who can work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

Application Deadline is October 23, 2026.

Who can apply?
Individuals who are highly motivated to create more inclusive communities AND are:
· Parents or primary caregivers of children under the age of 21 who have developmental disabilities
· Adults with developmental disabilities
· Adult siblings or family members of individuals with developmental disabilities
We are seeking cultural and geographic diversity within the guidelines above. The selection of participants is made by a team of parents, self‐advocates, and professionals.
What are the dates and times of the sessions?
All sessions run from 12:00 to 8 pm on Fri and 8:30 to 3 pm on Sat. Overnight lodging and meals are paid for by BPDD.
· November 13 & 14, 2026 (Madison*)
· December 11 & 12, 2026 (Virtual only)
· January 22 & 23, 2027 (Virtual only)
· February 26 & 27, 2027 (Virtual only)
· April 9 & 10, 2027 (Madison*)
· May 14 & 15, 2027 (Madison*)
*Attending in person is the best way to make the most out of the experience; however, we understand people may have barriers that make that difficult. The in-person sessions will always include a virtual option.
What is expected of participants?
1. Participate in all two‐day sessions and complete all homework assignments. Attendance at all sessions is required. Only individuals selected to participate in the program will be able to attend (with supports as needed). Aside from personal care, additional family members and friends do not attend the in-person sessions or stay at the hotel. Meals will also not be provided for anyone who is not registered.
2. Participate in networking, advocacy activities, interviews, readings (some available in alternative formats), and other projects.
3. Commit to developing a relationship with your state legislators.
4. Arrange for any 1-on-1 support needed to participate, including arranging any training needed for caregivers to meet your support needs. Remember: support people are not Partners participants and should limit their role during the program to the direct support of participants.
What is the cost?
FREE! Partners is funded by BPDD, which covers all training costs, including lodging, meals, and materials.
For more information or to get help completing your application: Contact Jenny Neugart at jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266‐7707.


Application Deadline is October 23, 2026.
1.Personal Information(Required.)
2.Which one of these do you identify as:(Required.)
3.Which one of these best describes your role?(Required.)
4.If you are a parent/guardian, please provide the age(s) of your child(ren).
5.If you are a parent/guardian, does your child(ren) still live at home?
6.Please answer the following questions:


Please tell us a little about yourself and your family.(Required.)
7.Why do you want to participate in Partners in Policymaking?(Required.)
8.What would you most like to change that would improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities?(Required.)
9.Please describe your experience in advocating for yourself, your child, or others with developmental disabilities. Include advocacy or disability related organizations you participate in.(Required.)
10.What kind of work/school are you involved in? (Include volunteer and leadership positions, not just paid work.)(Required.)
11.How do you hope to use your new information and skills after completing this training program?(Required.)
12.Looking at the Core Values, which are the most important to you and why?

Core Values
· Disability is a natural part of the human experience and does not diminish people’s rights to live independently, exercise control over their lives and fully participate in and contribute to their communities.

· People with disabilities are people first and must be treated with dignity and respect. This includes the right to be free of abuse and neglect.

· People with disabilities are entitled to the right to free speech. The ability to communicate, with assistance as needed, must be available to everyone.

· People with disabilities have the right to advocate for themselves on every level of the system, from individual services to the state budget to federal laws that affect their lives.

· Self‐determination is essential to full citizenship. People with disabilities must have the freedom to make informed decisions about how they want to live their lives and receive supports.

· People with disabilities must be able to enjoy the full mobility and accessibility that enables active participation in community life.

· People with disabilities need real friendships with a variety of friends, not just paid service workers.

· Schools and communities are stronger when they are inclusive.

· Every person with a disability deserves the right to work in the community at competitive wages, with benefits and the supports necessary to be successful.(Required.)
13.If you were referred by a Partners in Policymaking graduate, please provide their name.
14.Please check that you are committing to the following if selected to participate.(Required.)
15.To ensure you will be able to fully participate in the virtual programming, please check all responses below that apply to you. If you indicate you need help or do not currently have access to technology, we will work with you to remove barriers.(Required.)