Delaware Partners in Policymaking Program
A product of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
Contents
What is Partners in
Policymaking?
Who should participate in
Partners?
What happens if I am selected to
participate?
Is there a fee to
participate?
When and where are the training
sessions?
Links to
National Website, and Delaware Developmental
Disabilities Council
Class of 2006 Vision
DoctrinePDF File Format
Class of 2004 Vision
DoctrinePDF File Format
Class of 2003 Vision
DoctrinePDF File Format
What is Partners in Policymaking?
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative Leadership Training Program that teaches people to be community leaders. The program is designed for parents raising young or school-aged children with a developmental disability* or young adults with developmental* disabilities.
"Partners" provides up-to-date information, education and skill building activities about the legislative process and local, state and national issues that affect individuals with disabilities.
Partners in Policymaking was developed by the Minnesota Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. The program has been offered in 40 states, as well as Great Britain, Scotland and the Virgin Islands. Over 5,000 people have been trained Nationwide.
The Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council began its program in 1993. Close to 200 Delawareans have taken the training program.
Partners participants are people who are ready to work for change in public policy. The overall goal of the program is to foster a PARTNERship between people who need and use services for disabilities and those who make public policy.
Partners graduates gain the abilities to teach policymakers a new way of thinking about people with disabilities.
Who should participate in Partners?
Each year a limited number of people are selected through an application process to participate in the program. The project seeks highly motivated men and women who represent different ethnic backgrounds, various disabilities and geographic regions of the state.
Preference is given to, but not limited to:
- Young adults who have developmental disabilities* (under age 40).
- Parents raising young or school aged children who have developmental disabilities*.
*mental or physical disabilities beginning before age 22.
What happens if I am selected to participate?
Gaining information, strategies and skills is the key to the program. You will be expected to:
- Attend all sessions.
- Review material before and after each session, as well as complete homework assignments.
- Keep and turn in a record of time spent on activities.
- Set goals and form plans to create positive change in systems and services that effect people with disabilities
Is there a fee to participate?
No, there is no fee. The Partners in Policymaking program is funded through the generosity of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, MBNA Foundation's Helen F. Graham Grants Program, Delaware's Department of Education and Birth to Three program.
- Participant's lodging and meals will be furnished at no cost.
- Personal attendant care, facilitator services, child care and respite care are expenses which may be reimbursed. These are determined on an individual need basis.
When and where are the training sessions?
All sessions take place in Dover, Delaware.
Eight, two-day sessions are held once a month from March through October. Each session begins at noon on Friday and concludes late Saturday afternoon.
The Partners schedule for 2010 will be February 19-20; March 5-6; April 9-10; May 21-22; June 18-19; July 23-24; August 20-21 and September 10-11.
- History of the Disability Movements
- Inclusive Education
- Community Supports and Supported Employment
- Vision for the future and the planning process
- Assistive Technology
- Local, State and Federal policy and Legislative Issues
- How to meet Public Officials and give Legislative Testimony
- Community Organizing
- Working with the media
- Holding effective meetings and more!
For an application form or more information, contact:
The Developmental Disabilities CouncilMargaret M. O'Neill Building, 2nd Floor
410 Federal St., Suite 2
Dover, Delaware 19901
Phone: 302-739-3333
Fax: 302-739-2015
Download Printable Application:CLICK HERE
Partners In Policymaking Brochure: CLICK HERE
Links to National Website and Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
www.partnersinpolicymaking.com
Last Revised: May 20, 2008
