Advocacy/Policy Activities

ILEND trainees attend seminars on disability policy and advocacy, and meet with Iowa legislators to learn about how to effectively communicate with policy makers on issues related to children and families with special health care needs. Trainees track current legislation, listen to live debates online, and spend a day at the State Capitol observing the legislative process at work in committee meetings and sub-committee meetings. ILEND trainees also learn about legislative processes at the federal level and selected trainees have the chance to participate in the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. At the conclusion of the policy seminar, these trainees have the opportunity to meet on The Hill with their senators, representatives and/or their staff persons to discuss policy related to children and families with special health care needs.