Big Lake woman looks to become stronger advocate for disabled

BIG LAKE — LanaLee Lambrecht of Big Lake is one of just 30 Minnesotans who recently completed a free advocacy training course, Partners in Policymaking.

A nurse with four children, three of whom have disabilities, Lambrecht believes this course will help her continue to be an advocate for the disabled.

This nationally acclaimed program is for adults with developmental disabilities and parents/legal guardians of younger children with developmental disabilities.

The eight-month program ran from September to May and, through informative and interactive sessions, taught leadership and advocacy skills and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about disability support and services.

Lambrecht is the founder and director of the nonprofit A Spark of Possibilities, which provides services to children with disabilities and their families.

By taking this course, Lambrecht hopes to be able to provide even more support to those her organization works with.

Since its inception in 1987 almost 1,200 Minnesota self-advocates and parents have become stronger advocates by participating in group exercises and teaching from experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Many participants describe this training as “life changing” in how they can be better advocates for themselves and those in their lives and communities with disabilities.

Classes cover the history of disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, and competitive employment. Individuals are given tools to influence county, state, and federal legislative processes.

Following May graduation from the program, Lambrecht is grateful for the friends she has made and the skills she has built. She hopes that the knowledge gained from this course will give her the tools to be a difference maker for those who can’t always advocate for themselves.

For more information on the Partners program or to apply for the next session before its July 1 deadline, visit https://mn.gov/mnddc/pipm/.