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You've reached our Leadership Series page. CLICK HERE if you've already graduated from the Series and would like to join our Leadership Graduate Academy.
Applications for the Leadership Series Class of 2026 will be available in December, 2025.
About Leadership from the Leadership Series Class of 2024
The Leadership Series is an in-depth learning experience that's user-friendly, interactive, informative, and fun! We created the Series with a team of Self-Advocates and other allies to empower Rhode Islanders age 18 and older who have an intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) to speak up for themselves, navigate the DD System, connect with the community, and live life on their own terms, just like everyone else does! While the Series is designed primarily for individuals who have an I/DD, family members, staff, and friends who will be supporting a class member are also welcome to apply.
The Series focuses on the themes of Self-Awareness, Self-Determination, and Self-Advocacy. Some of the topics you'll learn about in class include:
How to Navigate The RI Developmental Disabilities Service System
Qualities of an Effective Leader
Community Integration
Disability Rights
How Government Works and How to Vote
Making Informed Decisions
Person-Centered Thinking and Individualized Service Plans
Personal Introduction and Communication Skills
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Technology Tips
And More!
We offer the Leadership Series free of charge to Rhode Island residents with developmental disabilities who are at least 18 years old, or who will be celebrating their 18th birthday during the current calendar year. Individuals who will be supporting a fellow class are also welcome to apply.
You don't need to read or write to participate in the Series. We present information in a variety of formats, including pictures, video, music, games, art, and more, to make the content engaging, inclusive, and accessible. We also have a team of Leadership Series graduates who work for our organization as Peer Mentors and will be available to answer questions, assist with homework, and support class members.
Advocates in Action has been offering the Series free of charge since 1995, thanks to an initial grant from the RI DD Council, and on-going funding from the RI Division of Developmental Disabilities at the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). In 2020 the global pandemic forced us to adapt our curriculum mid-way through and help members of that year’s class complete their training virtually. Today, classes are held weekly over Zoom, with several additional in-person meeting and events during our time together.
While there's no charge to participate, member must meet a set of requirements to graduate, which include having a way to send and receive email, either by using your own address or someone else's, and having a way to access the internet and participate in virtual meetings using the Zoom video app. But don't worry if you've never used Zoom before, that's one of the things you'll about in class!
The Series begins with a virtual kick-off retreat, followed by weekly classes that run from mid-February through the end of June. Classes are held on Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.
