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Partners in Policy Making
Program Graduate Accomplishments
Invitation Memorandum
Application for Participation
Developmental Disability Definition
Recommendation Form Letter
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative leadership and advocacy training opportunity
designed to involve and empower people with developmental disabilities, parents of
children with disabilities and other family members. It requires a serious commitment
by each participant during the course of the training, as well as after graduation.
The expectation is that each Partner will commit to actively use the skills learned to
encourage positive changes in the areas of community awareness, sensitivity,
accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Objectives of the Program
- Provide state-of-the-art information on disability issues and services to participants;
- Build competencies so participants may become advocates who effectively influence public officials and other policymakers;
- Develop understanding of policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state and federal levels;
- Foster productive partnerships between policymakers and people needing and using services.
Who is Eligible?
People with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities
are the primary target groups of the Partners in Policymaking program. Representation from varying
ethnic and cultural backgrounds, different geographic regions of the state, and various developmental
disabilities are sought. Persons who are not actively involved in existing advocacy efforts are ideal
candidates.
Partners in Policymaking is funded in part by grants from the South Dakota Council
on Developmental Disabilities, Children's Care Hospital & School, USD Center for
Disabilities and SD Parent Connection
Program Specifics
A typical Partners class consists of 23-26 participants who are selected through an application/selection process.
Partners attend six two-day training sessions from November through April, typically on Friday and Saturday.
At each session, experts in disability and advocacy fields present information and interact with participants.
Partners have the opportunity to work on communication skills, assertiveness, decision-making skills, legislative
testimonial presentation skills and group activities. Partners must complete homework assignments every month.
Attendance at all sessions is mandatory and all participants must sign a letter of agreement to those requirements.
Sample Session Topics
- History of the parent & disability movement
- Advocacy strategies
- Special education/inclusion
- Legislative process
- Entitlement programs/Community services
- City, County, Tribal Government
- Assistive Technology
- Employment opportunities
- Effective meetings/Parliamentary procedure
- Individual and family support
- Abuse and neglect awareness
Expenses
Participant lodging and meals will be paid for while at the training session. Participants will be reimbursed
for mileage and meals to and from the sessions. Respite care and personal assistance services will also be reimbursed
to the participants.
Selection Process
A selection committee of past graduates will review applications. The deadline is printed on the application.
Selection will be made in September. For more information and applications, please write or call:
Sandy Hook, Partners Coordinator
SD Advocacy Services
221 S. Central Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501-2453
800-658-4782 or 605-224-8294
stocklis@sdadvocacy.com
http://www.sdadvocacy.com
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