• 2026-2027 Program

    2026-2027 Program

  • Deadline to apply: Friday, June 26, 2026

  • New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 program year. Applications must be received by June 26, 2026 and applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 27, 2026.

    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. The Boggs Center is committed to building a diverse group of participants that is reflective of the needs, geography, experiences and backgrounds of New Jersey.

    Through participation in in-person and virtual educational leadership development sessions and completion of 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 board and committees 

    • Work alongside policymakers and state agencies
  • Images of people with disabilities and family members in star-shaped frames with star graphics in red and blue

  • This work is supported by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, in part by grant number 2501NJSCDD, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington, D.C. 20201 as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,162,908.00 with 85% funded by ACL/HHS and 15% funded by the State of NJ. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  • About New Jersey Partners in Policymaking

  • What are the requirements of participation?

    • Participation in all educational leadership development sessions held in New Brunswick, NJ and virtually.
      • In-person sessions will be held one weekend a month in September, October, December, March, and April/May (Friday 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm)
      • Virtual sessions will be held one weekend a month in November, January, and February (Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am –1:00 pm) and approximately one Wednesday a month from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm from September through April.
    • Completion of homework assignments, including the development of an Advocacy Action Plan

  • Is there any cost to participate?

    No. Expenses are paid for by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. Covered expenses for in-person sessions include:

    • Overnight lodging (available to participants who live 30 or more miles from the hotel)
    • Meals and refreshments
    • Reimbursement for travel
    • Reimbursement for child care/respite based on set limits
    • Accommodations such as sign language interpreters, large print materials, or Braille provided as needed

  • What topics will I learn about in the monthly educational sessions?*

    September 18 - 19 (In Person)

    • Impact of Families and People with Disabilities in Advocacy

     

    January 22 - 23 (Virtual)

    • Direct Support Professional Workforce 
    • Effective Communication & Public Speaking
    September 30 (Virtual)  February 10 (Virtual)

    October 16 - 17 (In Person)

    • Charting the LifeCourse Framework
    • History of Disability Policy

    February 19 - 20 (Virtual) 

    • State Systems Change Advocacy
    • Legislative Mock Testimony
    October 28 (Virtual) March 3 (Virtual)

    November 13 - 14 (Virtual)

    • Inclusive Education
    • Medicaid; Health & Wellness

    March 19 - 20 (In Person)

    • Supported Decision Making
    • Federal Hot Topics and Tips from the Hill

    December 4 - 5 (In Person) 

    • Transition to Adult Life & Post-Secondary Opportunities
    • Employment
    		 April 21 (Virtual)

    January 6 (Virtual)

    April 30 - May 1 (In Person)

    • Building Social Capital and Community Connections
    • Graduation

  • * Dates of topics subject to change based on presenter availability.

  • How do I apply?

    Use this application form to apply. If you need assistance to complete the application, or would like to complete the application by phone, contact Jaime Zahid (jaime.zahid@rutgers.edu; 732-966-0305).

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I am a:*

  • For family member applicants

  • Will you need reimbursement for respite or child care services so you can participate in the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking program?*

  • For self-advocate applicants

  • If you use personal assistance/direct support professional services, can you arrange to have these supports provided while you are participating in New Jersey Partners in Policymaking?*

  • Optional Demographic Information

    These questions are not required but will help to ensure that the class is representative of the diversity of the State of New Jersey.
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Gender

  • Availability & Attendance

  • Are you able to commit one weekend (Friday and Saturday) and one Wednesday evening a month to participate in all New Jersey Partners in Policymaking educational sessions?*
  • If you are employed, can you make necessary arrangements so you can attend all of the sessions and arrive on time?*
  • Do you have the technology needed to participate in the virtual sessions? Participation will require use of a computer/tablet along with internet connection.*
  • How would you get to in-person educational leadership development sessions?*
  • Do you plan to stay overnight during the in-person sessions?*

  • Accommodations

  • Short Answer Questions

  • Letter of Recommendation

  • Please include a letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well. For example, this can be from a colleague/co-worker, a supervisor, educator, or someone that you’ve advocated with or on behalf of.

    This letter should not be written by a family member/parent.

    The letter should address your: 

    • Interest in advocacy
    • Committmet to fulfill the requiremens of the program
    • General character and strengths

    Letters can be emailed to jaime.zahid@rutgers.edu or submitted along with your application using the upload box below. All recommendations must specify the person being recommended, and must be received by June 27th. 

    Please provide the name and contact information for the person providing a letter of recommendation on your behalf below. 

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