Disabilities Group Seeks Participants for Longtime Leadership Training Program;
Seminars Provide Skills to Be an Effective Advocate
Deadline is November 13 to apply for 2009 Partners in Policymaking
training
program, funded by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
There are still openings for people to participate in the 2009 program of Partners in Policymaking, the internationally recognized training initiative that prepares and motivates people with disabilities and their families to be effective advocates in seeking improved policies and supports. Applications to take part in the forthcoming program should be received by November 13, 2008, said Deborah Whitfield, executive director of the North Carolina Partners in Policymaking program.
"This is an exceptional opportunity for people with disabilities to gain experience as advocates in community discussions on the major issues that affect them and to become valuable resources for legislators, government and the media on disability issues," said Whitfield.
The Partners program covers a range of topics, from the history of disability policy, inclusive education, supported and independent employment and communicating effectively in meetings to interacting with policy leaders, legislators and the media. There are eight two-day meetings during the program year, all on weekends, to make it easier for people to participate.
Participants in Partners include adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents of a child with such a disability, and other support individuals. All of the eight sessions are held in Raleigh, beginning at noon on Saturday and continuing through until 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Those taking part stay at the meeting hotel to facilitate attendance at all of the meetings and events. There is no cost to participants for the program, travel or accommodations, as the Partners program receives funding from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The program is based on the belief that the most significant and enduring public policy decisions have been brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, working together with public officials and policy specialists. National and state leaders on disability issues present at the sessions, which emphasize active participation by all of those attending.
"This is all about having individuals becoming confident in themselves and in the knowledge they will gain, and comfortable in sharing life experiences and expertise with others," said Whitfield. "That's why we ask all participants to commit to a project after graduation, whether it be taking on an internship, organizing a meeting, or testifying before a legislative committee."
The Partners program was developed by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities in 1987 and has now been replicated in most states and numerous countries abroad. Some 15,000 people have graduated from Partners programs since its inception.