Partners in Policymaking
“Because of Partners in Policymaking, my son now has a mom who
is more aware of what I can do to be a better advocate for him … he’s
going to have a better opportunity to do everything that he wants to do
in life.”
—Heather Pike
“There's just so much you learn in such a short time, it's like
a crash course in parenting and advocacy all in one, and it really did
change my life.”
—Traci Castles
“I've advocated for myself for quite some time, but I didn't realize
when I got into Partners that the system is a dynamic creature and it is
subject to change at all times. And that some of the stuff I thought I
knew, I really didn't."
—Will Watkins
“My speakers, my classmates, the material, all of it was great.
I couldn't have asked for anything better. I not only gained friends, but
I gained an alliance, basically, that I know if I need something, I've
got someone I can call on.”
—Tracy Mittasch
Select here for text only version
of
Partners
in Policymaking Brochure
What is Partners in Policymaking?
Partners In Policymaking Is Designed For Adults With Disabilities
Parents of children with disabilities who are too young to advocate for themselves
Advocates for persons with disabilities.
Our Goal: Systems Change
We will educate participants to be active partners with those who make policy.
We will foster development of positive relationships with policymakers.
We will help you prevent the loss of basic rights for people with disabilities.
You will advocate for supports and services to increase independence, productivity and inclusion into the community for people with disabilities.
Parents of children with disabilities who are too young to advocate for
themselves Advocates for persons with disabilities.
Our Commitment
Prompt reimbursement for trainees, following receipt of the reimbursement request, for:
We will provide for your meals and, if necessary, lodging during training
sessions.
We Provide
Training in best practice state-of-the-art information from national experts in the field of developmental disabilities;
Books, suggestions and resources related to issues important to people with developmental disabilities; and
Role playing and direct experiences in influencing public policy at local, state and federal levels.
Ongoing training opportunities including legislature day, board training and the Graduate Academy.
Your Commitment
Actively participate in one-day orientation and all eight two-day sessions.
Complete homework assignments.
Complete one major assignment to be conducted during the training program.
Participate in effectiveness evaluations.
Maintain records of advocacy efforts.
Participate in post-training follow-up surveys.
How Do I Become a Partner?
PDF
document of Partners Application Form
Click the link to download and print an application form, or call the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) office at (405) 521-4984, or 1-800-836-4470 toll-free, to request an application.
Applications are accepted year-round for training that begins in August.
Orientation is in August; classes meet one weekend (Saturday-Sunday) per month between September and May, except December.
When you have completed the application, mail it to the ODDC office.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of Partners graduates.
Class size is limited to 30 participants. To be fair to other applicants, send in your application only if you are serious about making this full eight-month commitment.
Graduates Only/Update Information
Update Information
Email: Erin.Taylor@okdhs.org
Newsletters
Winter 2012 - PDF
Spring 2012 - PDF
Briefing Sheets