Craig Blackburn, left; Kyle Kosceilniak, center; and Hannah LaCour, members of the Louisiana delegation of the National Down Syndrome Society, practice their remarks while waiting to meet a Senate staffer.

Partners in Policymaking classes around the country teach parents of children with developmental disabilities how to advocate for their children in school, how to talk to lawmakers and how to push for appropriate health care needs. It also teaches adults with disabilities about advocacy and public policy. Since the program began in 1987, it has graduated more than 27,000 individuals who have gone on to make larger impacts, including raising money to build accessible playgrounds and starting bullying prevention programs.