Are you the parent of a child with developmental disabilities, or a young adult with developmental disabilities?
Would you like to have an impact on public policies that could impact people with developmental disabilities? The opportunity to work side by side with State public policy makers to impart positive change?
Then you might want to consider the Partners in Policymaking program.
What is Partners in Policymaking?
The Partners in Policymaking is a program designed to give a voice to parents of children with developmental disabilities and young adults with developmental disabilities, empowering them to be a part of state-wide policy changes for people with disabilities. The program’s goal is to teach these parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy, and change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work.
Through the Leadership Training Program, Partners learn to become community leaders, and to work side by side with State public policy makers. Partners are provided with up-to-date information, education, and the skills necessary to help make change in public policy relative to the people who need and use disabilities services.
Check out the Partners in Policymaking Brochure for additional details.
NOTE – Applications to participate in the 2014 Partners in Policymaking are due by Friday, December 20, 2013.
Who are the Partners?
Partners in Policymaking are typically parents of children with developmental disabilities or young adults who have developmental disabilities. Each year Partners are selected to participate in the program through an application process.
There is no fee to become a Partner in Policymaking. Additionally, the program pays for participants’ lodging and meals as well as other related expenses, while attending training sessions.
What Are the Expectations of Partners?
The goal of the Partners in Policymaking program is to learn information, strategies and skills to help further state public policies that affect people with disabilities.
Partners are expected to attend each of the eight two-day training sessions. Sessions are held monthly from February through September, and run from noon Friday until later Saturday afternoon.
Topics of discussion include:
- History of Disability Movements
- Inclusive Education
- Community Supports and Supported Employment
- Vision for 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
For more information about Partners in Policymaking in Delaware, contact the Developmental Disabilities Council at 302-739-3333.
Ready to Be a Partner in Policymaking?
Partners in Policymaking are ready to take a stand and help implement change for those with developmental disabilities.
Are you ready to become a Partner? Download the 2014 Application for Participation and submit your application today.
NOTE – Applications are due by Friday, December 20, 2013.