When asked, "What was your favorite aspect of Oregon Partners in Policymaking?" Oregon Partners Graduates replied:

“I loved the info, the application of the information, the encouragement, the confidence, giving you the direction for your life in the community, the schools, and the possibilities for your children that you didn't know existed. Bringing out emotion, all emotion for so many things, how to channel it, and how to take care of yourself, which is overlooked so many times. The experience testifying at the capitol. It has elevated my life in so many ways. PIP has helped change my life and put me on a road that I only hoped to be on."

“Knowledge really IS power. With it all things, including change, are really possible! The bonds and power to change will last a lifetime. Not only will the lives of people with disabilities become better for it, but our children will see that strength and determination really do make a difference. And that dreams really do come true if you try hard enough...What better legacy could we pass on?"


“An amazing, empowering program for advocates who wish to learn their way through legal, moral, and ethical maze the government and different programs stick us in."

"The constant messages that our kids have rights and futures that are worth fighting for. Knowledge that we are not alone. Highlights: Kathie Snow, Michael Remus, David Pitonyak, George Braddock."

"I really feel Partners has been very good training. I wouldn't be where I am today without the training I received. I'm very grateful."

"Although I had the passion and the motivation to assist other families and individuals with disabilities, Partners has provided me with the skills to become an effective advocate. It has shown me how attitudes and perceptions are the greatest barriers for people with disabilities; and how I must focus on those attitudes and perceptions to create change."



"Focusing on the BIG PICTURE, or the problem instead of the symptoms. I didn’t realize how caught up I was in day-to-day and not trying to improve. This was also the first opportunity I’ve had to work with adults with disabilities."

"Partners is a phenomenal program that totally changed how I view people with DD, including how I see my own son. I did not expect my heart would be expanded. I have a much greater understanding of the importance of my advocacy work, how I can be heard .... Partners gave me the tools to have more self- confidence when I approach anyone who has an effect on my son’s life: educators, service providers, and policymakers. Thank you so much!"