The NC Partners in
Policymaking is
funded by the
North Carolina Council
on Developmental
Disabilities.
Partners in Policymaking™ is a leadership training program designed for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. The program teaches leadership skills, and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other individuals who make the policy decisions about services that you and your family use.
Partners is about systems change – creating, working towards and achieving a vision of shared values about people with disabilities. It is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and their policymakers. It is about becoming confident in yourself, competent in the knowledge and information you will receive, and comfortable in sharing the life experiences and expertise you bring to the program
Partners attend eight, two-day training sessions, in Raleigh, NC. Each session begins at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and concludes by 3:30 pm on Sunday. National and state leaders in the disability movement present various topics such as:
- History of Disability and the Disability Rights Movement
- Inclusive Education and Communicating Effectively in Meetings
- Supported Employment, Supported Living, Person-Centered Planning
- Assistive Technology, Seating & Positioning, Positive Behavior Supports
- Federal Policy and Legislative Process
- State Legislative Process and Current Issues
- State Policy/Service System and Parliamentary Procedures
- Community Organization and Local Advocacy
Attendance of all eight sessions is mandatory. Partners are expected to complete assignments between sessions and also commit to one major project after graduation. Examples include: serving an internship with a public official, organizing town meetings, coordinating a parent or self-advocacy network or support group, or arranging program visits for legislators.
Session dates and the location for Partners in 2012 have not yet been announced.
This training program is free to participants selected to attend. This includes registration for eight sessions, lodging, transportation, and meals, all arranged by the Partners in Policymaking staff. Partners in Policymaking is funded by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.