Partners in Policymaking Sponsored by Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Partners Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council Mission Statement: To assist the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life.

Partners What is Partners in Policymaking ? Partners is a leadership training program designed for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.

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Partners Partners is about achieving…  Independence  Productivity  Integration  Inclusion  Self Determination

Partners Partners is about systems change  Leadership Skills  Positive Partnerships  Creating, Working Towards and Achieving a Vision

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Partners Partners consists of eight (2) day sessions that cover various topics, including:  History of the Disability Movements: parent, People First, independent living  Quality Education  Employment, housing, person centered planning, self-determination  Alternatives to guardianship  Community organizing

Partners Partners consists of eight (2) day sessions that cover various topics, including:  Parliamentary procedure  State / federal policy, legislative issues and processes  Assistive technology  Futures planning  Emergency preparedness  Sexuality

Partners More about Partners sessions  Starts at 12:00 p.m. on Friday  Concludes Saturday afternoon by 3:30  February through September  Held in Columbia, MO (exception: April is held in Jefferson City, and is the Legislative weekend)  All meals provided (except lunch on Friday)

Partners Partners graduates agree that the commitment is well worth the life changes that result from the training program.

Partners Frequently Asked Questions  Is there a fee to attend Partners in Policymaking ?  Do I need to pay my hotel and travel expenses?  Is there financial assistance available for child care or personal care attendants?  Is there homework in between sessions?  How are participants selected?

Partners Persons with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities to apply for Partners in Policymaking by filling out an application.

Partners The application can be accessed online at orwww.moddcouncil.org by contacting the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council at

Partners Board Positions Held by Partners Graduates Regional Advisory Council members (Several held executive offices) Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council The Arc of MO Local Head Starts Missouri TASH

Partners 201f16 SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) National Self Advocacy group VP and President of Down Syndrome Association Local Affiliates of UCP Associations VP and President of Missouri Family Trust Public Health Board School Board Membership

Partners Partners work toward systems change

 People First organizations established  Legislation to change labeling of accessible parking was introduced and passed in the legislature  Advocacy efforts led to a courthouse installing an elevator  Legislation to change all statue language to reflect People First language was passed. Partners 201f18

Partners  A parent’s story was published as a chapter in a book  Worked for successful passage of mil tax levies

Partners  Member of Specialized Training of Military Parents of Children with Special Needs (STOMP)  Provide training at statewide and national conferences and workshops  Serve on conference planning committees  Provide sensitivity training at local businesses and schools  Created an accessible outdoor learning environment and playground at a local school.

Partners  I will be indebted forever for the information I have had the honor of learning; thanks for your contribution to my life - I appreciate you very much. What Partners graduates are saying about their experience.

Partners  A tremendous amount of information can be acquired at Partners. The experience has been invaluable.  This was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life since our son was born. I learned so much, not just about how to advocate, but about myself.

I will not keep all this knowledge to myself! I plan to tell everyone in my path! Partners

Partners  Partners = Life Changing = Community Changing = World Changing!  Partners laid the foundation, for me to feel confident and competent to advocate for broad systems change. I have never been so motivated! One person CAN make a difference!  I think I’m as proud of my Partners certificate as I am of my college diploma.

Partners Darla Gjesvold Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council P.O. Box 687, 1706 E. Elm Street Jefferson City, MO