Partners in Policymaking

Applications from individuals with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities to participate in the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities’ (VBPD) Partners in Policymaking (PIP) advocacy training program are being accepted for the 2012-2013 PIP class. More than three hundred Virginia PIP alumni, and thousands who have graduated from similar programs across the country, have learned how to make a difference every day for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Individuals participating in PIP attend advocacy training, resource development, and skill building workshops led by state and national experts. Topics covered include the history of the disability movement, self advocacy, independent living, employment, building inclusive communities, natural supports, legislative advocacy, assistive technology, communication, team building, and much more! VBPD covers all expenses for participants’ training, lodging, meals, and travel.

Program participants attend and actively participate in eight two-day sessions, from Friday afternoon and to late Saturday afternoon, in Richmond, Virginia. An overview of the program, the schedule for the current year, and staff contacts appear below. The deadline for receipt of applications for PIP 2013 is April 30, 2012.

Information on becoming a Partner in Policymaking

Partners in Policymaking participants are people who live in Virginia, have a developmental disability or are parents of young children with developmental disabilities. Individuals attending the program will participate in advocacy skill workshops, resource development, and leadership training.

Application and selection as a participant for the program requires a substantial commitment of time, motivation and energy. If accepted, the Partners in Policymaking program requires attendance and participation in eight two-day sessions between September and May. Each session begins on Friday afternoon and concludes Saturday afternoon. Participants meet competencies by agreeing to complete homework, class assignments and one major project.

The group of selected participants will build networks with state and national leaders as well as one another. Participants will be educated on current issues, state-of-the-art approaches and best practices in many areas including:

• History of Disability Movements
• Self-Advocacy
• Independent Living
• Inclusive Education
• Supported Employment
• Personal Futures Planning
• Building Inclusive Communities
• Natural Supports
• Assistive Technology
• Communication & Team Building
• Legislative Process and Strategies

Fall 2012-Spring 2013

Fall 2011-Spring 2012

1. What are the eligibility requirements to become a Partner in Policymaking participant?
2. How are individuals selected for the Partners in Policymaking class?
3. Is there any cost involved in attending the Partners in Policymaking sessions?
4. What happens in the sessions?
5. What happens if I have a scheduling conflict with one of the session dates?

6. Where are sessions held?

• have a developmental disability, as defined by the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Assistance Act

• be the parent of a young child with a developmental disability; reside in Virginia

How are individuals selected for the Partners in Policymaking class?
Individuals are selected as Partners in Policymaking participants in a competitive application process administered statewide. In order to be considered, applications must be received by the deadline. A panel of Partners graduates reviews and selects participants for each class. Following the screening and selection process, all applicants will be notified of their status by letter. We encourage applicants who are not selected to re-apply, as we always receive more worthy applications than we have spaces to fill. Each class is carefully selected to represent a range of experience, demographics, and abilities.

Is there any cost involved in attending the Partners in Policymaking sessions?
All session expenses are paid by the Partners in Policymaking program. Expenses covered include lodging, transportation, food, materials, and individual accommodations (such as sign language interpreters and personal care assistants).

What happens in the sessions?
Partners in Policymaking spend the eight months building a “toolbox” for communicating effectively with legislators, policymakers, and administrators. All presentations, assignments, and group activities are designed to give Partners practice and experience working for systems change. Partners will be introduced to leaders in the disability rights movement. These introductions are a rare opportunity to receive background information and practical advice for advancing their shared goals for their families and home communities. The program culminates with a trip to the State Capitol to deliver testimony using the skills and knowledge they gained during the training. On graduation weekend, Partners deliver a progress report on a project that was conceived of and developed over the eight month period.  Many Partners develop these projects into life-long endeavors.

What happens if I have a scheduling conflict with one of the session dates?
The Partners in Policymaking program requires a substantial commitment of time, motivation and energy for both participants and program staff. To provide the fullest experience, ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL SESSIONS.

Where are sessions held?
All sessions are held in a conference hotel in the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. Participants will be notified of the location when they are selected as participants.

For more information contact:

Partners in Policymaking
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
Washington Building
1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
800-846-4464 (TTY/voice)
804-786-1118 (fax)

Teri Barker, Sponsored Programs Manager
Teri.Barker@vbpd.virginia.gov
804-786-9381

or

Rachel Loria, Partners in Policymaking Assistant
Rachel.Loria@vbpd.virginia.gov
804-786-3456

Advocacy efforts vary…from organizing a rally to talking one-on-one with local or state officials, we want to hear what Partners are doing to improve systems for people with disabilities!

Partners in Policymaking graduates are making differences on many levels. If you are a graduate and have advocated for community inclusion, accessibility, inclusive education, equal opportunity employment, civil rights, or social changes in attitudes and values, tell us so we can share your success.

Submit brief details below, or share photos, videos (under 3 min.), or documents to info@VBPD.virginia.gov

Thank YOU for helping us keep Partners impacting Policy in Virginia and across the country.

Once your information is submitted it will be reviewed by the PIP program manager and may be edited for use in VBPD materials and websites. By submitting photographs, digital images, video, or audio tape, you consent to their usage by VBPD and understand that submission does not guarantee the material will be used. You may be contacted for additional information, so be sure to list your direct contact information in case we have questions!

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Joan Brunner (PIP02)  Joan works for VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities. She is the coordinator for The Center for Self-Advocacy Leadership's Training Network for the Youth Information, Training, and Resources grant funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

 Jessie Chapman (PIP05)  Jessie’s PIP final project was hung at Chippenham Hospital in Chesterfield County.

 Suzanne Conway (PIP05)  Suzanne served as sponsorship chair for Day in the Park for the City of Lynchburg, a free day at the Park for the Greater Lynchburg area, raising over $16,000 with grants and sponsorships. Suzanne served on the sponsorship committee for the Junior League of Lynchburg. Suzanne served on the planning committee for the first annual Lynchburg regional Transition Conference

 Jim Hines (PIP05)  Jim was elected to the Board of Directors of the Arc of the Peninsula. The Arc sponsors group homes and a sheltered workshop. He's also an active member of the Holiday House of Portsmouth parents committee.

 Tina Lewis (PIP05) Tina is working with a fellow counselor at the Norfolk Endependence Center to help individuals who want to move out of nursing homes to do so.

 Martin Powell (PIP05) Martin wrote letters to local pharmacy, local restaurant, and transit authority to recommend actions to improve access for individuals with physical disabilities. The action with the transit authority was successful; the actions with the pharmacy and restaurant continue. Martin also wrote a letter to DMAS recommending an increase in the hourly rate for caregivers; DMAS granted a 5% increase.

 Mariko Reynolds (PIP05) Mariko started a local parent support group focusing on learning biomedical interventions for autism.

Jeremy Severtson (PIP05) Jeremy was appointed to Richmond Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee.

Carletta Wilson (PIP05) Carletta served as Chair of the Richmond City Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for 2 years.

• Andrea Anderson - Virginia Beach
• Keri Ayres - Front Royal
• Everlene Brewer - Norfolk
• Hyunsuk Bywater - Newport News
• Dhiren Desai - Glen Allen
• Subarna Dharia - Vienna
• Deborah Dougherty - Virginia Beach
• Mary Janelle Hubbart - Roanoke
• Robyn Iuliano - Hampton
• Kalisha Jefferson - Richmond
• Ivy Kennedy - Virginia Beach
• Jennifer Krajewski - Chesterfield
• Lisa Lane - Virginia Beach
• Robert Matuszak - Portsmouth
• Raymond McCray - Richmond
• Lindsey Nebeker - Alexandria
• Emilia Prokop - Haymarket
• Jeanette Sawyer - Chesapeake
• Donna Shank - Centreville
• Joy Spencer - Newport News
• Sharon Sullivan - Vienna
• Allison Thurman - Chesterfield
• Isata Turay - Richmond
• Michelle VanAlstine - Goode
• Leticia Willcockson - Centreville
• Adela Wilson - Stafford
• Lena Winslow - Glen Allen