Navigators To Leaders Program
Transforming Communities
The disability advocacy training program at Families United—our “Navigators to Leaders” 12-week pathway—equips parents, caregivers, aspiring social workers, and community members to advocate with clarity and lead with confidence. In guided cohorts, you’ll build the skills to navigate public benefits, education rights, and healthcare systems while developing practical leadership habits that inspire action at home, in school, and across your neighborhood. Graduates don’t just understand services—they become trusted voices who help other families access them.
What You'll Learn
You’ll map how local, state, and federal supports fit together for individuals with developmental disabilities—who qualify, what documentation is needed, and how to escalate when things stall. We cover Regional Centers, Early Start services training, transition supports, and how to track outcomes so your advocacy gets results. (California’s Early Start is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers; knowing Part C basics helps you guide families earlier and better.)
Learn the language of school meetings, how to prepare data-strong parent input statements, and how to collaborate with teams for support that work in real classrooms. We’ll walk through IEP/IFSP essentials and parent rights—then practice how to request evaluations, accommodations, and progress monitoring. (Section 504 is a civil-rights law that ensures equal access; IDEA governs special education and the IEP process.)
From running effective meetings to coaching peers, you’ll build core leadership routines: setting agendas, delegating tasks, tracking metrics, and telling a concise advocacy story that moves decision-makers. This is your on-ramp to a community-level disability leadership program.
We connect you with evidence-based tools and statewide networks—Regional Centers, parent centers, and disability councils—so you can tap funding, training, and peer support long after graduation. (Regional Centers coordinate services and case management for eligible Californians with developmental disabilities.)
Your growth multiplies. Graduates mentor new families, co-host community advocacy workshops for families, and share actionable checklists schools and clinics can use right away—boosting awareness and outcomes where you live. (Many of our program graduates go on to lead efforts in schools and local government.)
Programs
Interactive Workshops
Peer Support
Practical Tools
Guest Speakers and Mentorship
Schedule a Screening
Have questions about fit, time, or costs? Our coordinators will map your goals to a clear learning path inside the disability advocacy training program. Each cohort blends live facilitation (virtual or on-site), office hours, and peer labs—with optional boosters for Early Start services training if your child is under three.
New to school processes? Begin with our foundations in IEP advocacy training program and 504 plan advocacy training; seasoned advocates can jump into advanced tracks on data storytelling, systems mapping, and conflict-to-collaboration. Sliding-scale scholarships are available, and partner referrals are prioritized.
After graduation, you’ll access alumni circles, a resource library, and quarterly community advocacy workshops for families. Many alumni co-lead sessions or continue in our disability leadership program, deepening Regional Center advocacy training skills while mentoring new families. Your next step: submit the form, book an intro call, and choose your start date.
