Successful completion of the program will give Partners graduates these competencies:

• Describe the history of services for, and perceptions of, people with developmental disabilities.
  
• Describe significant contributions of the parents' movement.
  
• Describe the history of the self advocacy and independent living movements.
  
• Describe the benefits and values supporting inclusion and quality education for students with and without disabilities.
  
• Outline specific strategies to achieve inclusion and quality education.
  
• Demonstrate knowledge of the service coordination system and what services may be available.
  
• Describe the importance of futures planning and self determination for people with developmental disabilities.
  
• Understand the principles of choice and control of resources in futures planning.
  
• Understand the reasons for and the importance of proper positioning techniques for people with disabilities.
  
• Describe examples of state-of-the-art technologies for people with severe disabilities.
  
• Describe the importance of supported, competitive employment opportunities.
  
• Understand that a flexible, responsive system of supports for the families of children with disabilities is the corner stone for a true system of community supports for people with developmental disabilities.
  
• Understand the need for all individuals to experience changes in lifestyle across the life span.
  
• Know/understand the importance of home ownership/control as one of the defining characteristics of adult life in our culture.
  
• Understand the basic principles and strategies being used to support people with developmental disabilities in their own homes across the life span.
  
• Create a vision for the year 2010 (and beyond) for people with disabilities.
  
• Understand how a bill becomes a law at the state and federal levels.
  
• Identify critical federal issues and the process by which they can personally address their concerns.
  
• Demonstrate successful techniques for advocating for services to meet the needs of unserved and underserved individuals.
  
• Draft and deliver testimony for legislative hearings.
  
• Learn how to meet a public official and discuss issues.
  
• Identify strategies for beginning and sustaining grassroots level organizing.
  
• Understand the role of when and how to use the media to effectively promote their issues.
  
• Demonstrate proper procedures for conducting a meeting.
  
• Gain a basic understanding of parliamentary procedure and serving on boards.

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