Welcome

The North Carolina Partners in Policymaking™ program helps open the door for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members to participate in the public discussion of principles and policies that affect their lives and their role in the community. Those selected to take part learn about how to communicate with public officials and legislators and the general public, often making use of the media. Through a series of eight weekend seminars they also gain information about the structure of laws and agencies that determine and administer programs affecting people with disabilities. 

An innovative leadership training program created in 1987 by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Partners in Policymaking™ provides adults with disabilities and the parents of young children with developmental disabilities the skills needed to be effective advocates. Participants learn how to build partnerships with elected officials, legislators, agencies and opinion leaders so that they can better express their views on the policy decisions affecting the services they and their families use. 

The Partners program is all about systems change, from creating a shared vision of a system that promotes full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community, and making it a reality through working with leaders to base public policy decisions on the experiences of those who need and use services. To accomplish this, Partners participants gain self confidence, learn and absorb the information received and become comfortable in sharing their experiences and views with others.

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For More Information about Partners

Contact Deborah Whitfield at partners@nccdd.org.