AUSTIN, Texas -- A group of disability rights advocates are on their way to making changes here in Texas.

• Student received extensive training on education, employment policy, and healthcare
• Registration for this year's class ends on May 1
• There is no cost for the class

Texas Partners in Policymaking graduated 29 advocates from their program Saturday after a 10-year hiatus.

"Maybe they will be able to realize the true impact that they are making now and how it's going to affect our future," said Gloria Rankin, a mother of three.

Rankin's 6-year-old son Mason has autism and is non-verbal.  Rankin has spent a considerable amount of time advocating for his rights to Medicaid and inclusion in the classroom.

"A lot of the schools either don't have the resources or are not aware of what they can offer these children, so they kind of want to put them into a contained classroom and not have them educated with their peers, which is really what's best for them," she said.

Rankin is not alone, she's one of many parents and family members pushing for change to better accommodate those with disabilities at the local and state level.

"I'm hoping to take this training and hoping affecting systems change for people with disabilities in Texas. Texas is 50th in the nation for people with disabilities and that needs to change," said Lisa Flores, another graduate.

Each student received extensive training from experts on education, employment policy, and healthcare for the disabled, learning how to affect change with the help of lawmakers like Senator Judith Zaffirini, who spoke at the graduation.

"We work with the advocates because they are so intent and so focused and because they have endured the education program and enjoyed it so much. They really do a great job. They make a difference," said Zaffirini.

Registration for this year's class ends on May 1. People can apply by visiting https://www.texaspartners.net/. There is no cost. The class is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and is meant for Texans with developmental disabilities or their family members.