Partners in PolicymakingSponsored by

Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Partners 2014 2

Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Mission Statement: To assist the community to include

all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life.

Partners 2014 3

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.

Partners 2012 4

Partners 2014 5

Partners is about achieving…

Independence Productivity Integration Inclusion Self Determination

Partners 2014 6

Partners is aboutsystems change

Leadership Skills Positive Partnerships Creating, Working Towards and

Achieving a Vision

Partners 2012 7

Partners 2014 8

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 2014 9

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 2014 10

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 2014 11

Partners graduates agree that the commitment is well worth

the life changes that result from the training program.

Partners 2014 12

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 2014 13

Persons with developmental disabilities and

family members of people with developmental disabilities to apply for Partners in Policymaking by

filling out an application.

Partners 2014 14

The application can be accessed online at www.moddcouncil.org or

by contacting the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

at 1-800-500-7878.

Partners 2014 15

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 201f 16

SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) National Self Advocacy group VP and President of Down Syndrome AssociationLocal Affiliates of

UCP AssociationsVP and President

of Missouri Family TrustPublic Health BoardSchool Board Membership

Partners 2014 17

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 201f 18

Partners 2012 19

A parent’s story was published as a chapter in a book

Worked for successful passage of mil tax levies

Partners 2014 20

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 2014 21

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 2014 22

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 2014 23

Partners 2014 24

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 2014 25

Darla Gjesvold Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

P.O. Box 687, 1706 E. Elm StreetJefferson City, MO 65102

1.800.500.7878573.526.6770

www.moddcouncil.org DGjesvold@moddcouncil.org