South Middlesex Times

An alumna of Douglas College and Rutgers Business School shared her journey of finding support while raising a child with disabilities through Rutgers. The alumna, who remains unnamed in the article, expressed gratitude for the Partners in Policymaking program offered by the Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The program aims to educate individuals with disabilities, parents, and caregivers. Speaking about the program, Partners Participant Coordinator Jaime Zahid highlighted its focus on sharing lived experiences and visions for people with disabilities.

Colleen McLaughlin, associate director of the Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, emphasized the program's goal of equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to advocate for meaningful and lasting change for individuals with disabilities and their families. The alumna mentioned how the program provided valuable insights into disability law, inspiring her to continue advocating for her son and others like him.

The program, which started in New Jersey in 1996, has seen over 500 graduates across the state. Participants engage in presentations, lectures, and workshops to enhance their advocacy skills and promote self-determination and inclusion in the community. Sandy LoPiccolo and Parul Khemka, both co-graduates of the program, shared how their experiences influenced their advocacy work for individuals with autism and profound disabilities, respectively.

Reflecting on her journey, the alumna expressed how the program helped her find resources for her son and empowered her to speak up for policy changes. She highlighted the importance of advocating not only for her son but also for her own mental health as a caregiver. The alumna found solace in knowing that Partners in Policymaking exists to support families like hers.

Looking ahead, the program continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. McLaughlin acknowledged the impact of each year's participants in working towards equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. The article concluded by mentioning that the next class of New Jersey Partners in Policymaking will be held in 2025-26, with applications accepted in the spring of 2025.