Partners in Policymaking

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership and advocacy program designed to inform and train people with developmental disabilities and their family members.  The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities created the program to train participants in the best practices over a wide range of issues affecting persons with developmental disabilities.  The main objective was to help participants gain the skills necessary to change the system.  Since its conception in 1987, over 45 states have implemented a Partners in Policymaking program.

Through education and practical skill-building, Partners are empowered to tackle issues facing themselves and their communities.  The intended goal is to achieve both a positive and functional relationship between people who need and use services and the people who make policy regarding those services.  Ideally, each Partners class should include a diverse group of people representing different ages, experiences, ethnic groups, and geographical regions in Florida.  Self-advocates and parents of young children with developmental disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to the program.

Nationally, there are over 8,000 Partners in Policymaking graduates serving on committees and boards at local, state, and national levels.

Topics

Each of the six sessions focus on a specific topic.  Topics generally include the History of the Disability Movement, Inclusive Education, Assistive Technology, Emerging Federal Legislation, State Legislative Process, and Community Advocacy.  Participants learn from nationally recognized experts as well as local policymakers.

Classes

Participants attend weekend training sessions once a month for six months.  Training sessions are held in Central Florida, most often Tampa or Orlando, and typically begin Friday afternoon and end Saturday afternoon.  Attendance at each session is mandatory.  Lodging, meals, and travel expenses are provided by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.  Additional reimbursement for respite care and assistant services is also available.

Commitment

Applicants are expected to attend each session and complete basic homework assignments (usually reading or practical exercises).  Partners must also commit to implementing the skills learned during their training and continue their advocacy work with a project.  Past Partners have organized letter-writing campaigns, planned special town meetings, and held internships with advocacy organizations as their assignments.  Graduates of the program join a network of leaders making real changes in the lives of Floridians with disabilities.

Application Process

Individuals interested in participating in the Partners in Policymaking program must submit an application to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC).  Applications are available on the Internet at www.fddc.org or by calling the Education and Training Coordinator at (800) 580-7801.  Classes generally begin in late Spring.  Applications are due preceding January.  Class schedules and due dates may be subject to change.  Please contact the FDDC or check the web site for specific dates for the upcoming classes.  The FDDC also provides alternative forms of the application or other assistance with the application process.

The Challenge

Partners graduates are encouraged to take the information, enthusiasm, and leadership skills gained during the training back to each of their communities.  Participants can use their experiences with Partners to inspire others in their communities.  They are challenged to continue to educate and support those around them and advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities.

"I would recommend Partners to anyone who wants to learn how to affectively make a difference in the lives of someone with a disability or the disability community as a whole.  Partners has changed my life, the way I view and handle situations, and will ultimately affect and change the lives of my sons and all those I come into contact with.  It was an awesome experience."

Sylvia Miller, Founder & President

Parents Helping Parents of Florida, Inc.

Partners in Policymaking Class of 2002

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203

Tallahassee, FL 32301-2981

(850) 488-4180

(800) 580-7801

(850) 922-6702 (Fax)

(888) 488-8633 (TDD)

www.fddc.org