What is Partners in Policymaking of Alabama?

Partners in Policymaking of Alabama (PIPA) provides Information, Training, and Skill-Building to participants so that they may obtain state-of-the-art services for themselves and others. Academics are held one weekend a month for eight months.During each of these sessions, state and national experts in specific areas related to disabilities present and interact with participants in small groups or one-on-one.

Partners in Policymaking involves and empowers individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the policymaking arena. It acquaints and connects individuals with organizations, opportunities, and possibilities in the area of developmentaldisabilities. Partners in Policymaking educates the participants about current issues, familiarizes them with current local, state and federal issues, and equips them with the knowledge of the policymaking process by which policies and laws are established.

The overall mission of the Partners program is to foster and achieve productive partnerships between individuals traditionally unserved and underserved and those in a position to make policy. Through these partnerships, Alabama is creating new opportunities and lifestyles for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as creating healthy new attitudes, values and perceptions.

Who can participate in Partners in Policymaking?

Parents, family members, and individuals with developmental disabilities are eligible to become participants in this training program. An application process is used and 35 individuals from all across Alabama are eligible to become selected as participants. Every effort is made to include a male/female balance, ethnic and racial minorities, individuals and families of various socio-economic status, single-parent and non-traditional families, balanced representation from rural, urban, and suburban communities and a balanced representation of disabilities. The goal is to have a balance between individuals with developmental disabilities and family members of young children with developmental disabilities. An effort was made to select individuals that were not already heavily involved in advocacy efforts and individuals, regardless of the amount of supports needed for themselves and/or families, to fully participate in the academy weekends.

Partners in Policymaking's Mission

• To actively provide quality training for parents and family members of young children with developmental disabilities and individuals with developmental disabilities to increase their legislative advocacy skills.
• To educate policymakers as to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, in an attempt to change state policies, so that they may reflect an increased responsibility to individuals who have been traditionally unserved or underserved.
• To become active in local, state, and federal legislative processes through effective letter writing, telephone calling, and personal visits to policymakers.
• To build coalitions between families, agencies, and individuals with developmental disabilities and create a united, powerful voice on priority issues dealing with all citizens with disabilities.
• To empower families of children with developmental disabilities and individuals with developmental disabilities so that they might seek to increase their independence, productivity and integration into the community.
• To develop an effective, productive partnership between policymakers and individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• To produce a supply of powerful leaders so that they may participate in planning, service delivery, evaluation and advocacy activities through their services on task forces, commissions, boards, committees, and other voluntary organizations.

Partners in Policymaking Top Ten Values

1. Individuals with disabilities are People First. They are not "the handicapped" or "the disabled." Using People First Language is a must - no labels!
2. Individuals with disabilities need real friendships, not just relationships with paid staff.
3. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to the full meaning of the First Amendment to free speech. The ability to communicate, in whatever form, must be available to every individual with a disability.
4. Individuals with disabilities must be able to enjoy full mobility and accessibility that allows active participation in community life.
5. Individuals with disabilities must be assured continuity in their lives through families and neighborhood connections.
6. Individuals with disabilities must be treated with dignity and respect.
7. Individuals with disabilities need to be in positions to negotiate to have their wants and needs met.
8. Individuals with disabilities must be able to exercise choice in all areas of their lives.
9. Individuals with disabilities must be able to live in homes of their choice with supports they need.
10. Individuals with disabilities must be able to enjoy the benefits of true productivity through employment and/or contributions as members of their community.