Six attend Partners in Policymaking course
The Ed Roberts Partners in Policymaking held its first graduation ceremony last Dec. 16, 2000 at the Pacific Islands Club. The Partners Class of 2000 attended intense training and skills building sessions for six months, which were presented by Best Practices and nationally-recognized presenters from the mainland.
Initially, the Partners class reeled in 11 participants. However, due to family obligations and other events, six individuals, three primary consumers and three parents of children with disabilities, preserved and fulfilled their commitment to gaining knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for themselves or for their son or daughter with disability.
These six individuals are now “certified advocates” and whose journey has just begun. Partners graduates are expected to complete a project that will effect a change in the way services are provided in the community to individuals with disabilities.
The ultimate goal of Partners in Policymaking is providing select individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities the necessary skills to influence those in position to make policy and law as well as become council/board members so they can effect systems change for themselves, their families and the community in general.
The next cycle of the Ed Roberts Partners in policy making is proposed to begin March-August 2001. The topics include History of Services, Inclusive Education, People First Language, Supported Employment, Independent/Supported Living, Positive Behavior and Support, Assistive Technology, Parliamentary Procedure, Negotiation/Mediation, Communication, Vision Building, Legislative Issues, Advocacy, Teamwork and Community Organizing.
All individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the 2001 six-month program. Applications will be available early January 2001 at the GDDC office in Capitol Hill, Building No. 1312. or contact Reina Camacho, Partners coordinator, at 664-7000 for detailed information about Partners in Policymaking.
