What Is Partners in Policymaking®?
Partners in Policymaking® prepares parents of children with developmental disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at state and local levels. Over 30 states have a Partners program, including Maryland.
 
The Council awarded the Arc Maryland for the third year to facilitate Partners in Policymaking®. The program spans 9 sessions beginning in late September 2020 and ending in the spring of 2021, and is a collaborative effort of the Council, The Arc Maryland, and People on the Go of Maryland. 
 
The curriculum is grounded in the federal outcomes of independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion (IPSII). The impetus for creating the Partners in Policymaking program came from a September 1986 hearing on Medicaid Reform. Each session will take deep dives into topics such as State and Federal Advocacy, Person-Centered Planning, Education Rights, Employment, Housing, and more!  
 
Sessions will feature presenters from national, state, and local levels to teach class members how to influence policy and plan for a better future for all. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity! Apply today!
 
 Questions? Join The Arc Maryland for an Informational Phone Call

Want to know more about the Partners in Policymaking® Program? The Arc Maryland will host an applicant information call on Thursday, August 27th at 1 PM to review the program and application, and answer any questions you may have. Please register for this call via the link below. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Arylon Brooks, Program Coordinator at The Arc Maryland, at abrooks@thearcmd.org.


People on the Go Maryland_ The Arc Maryland_ and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Logos.



Partners Class photo
Become a partner
Participating in the Partners Program is an opportunity to take another step in creating the systemic change needed in your community and beyond. As a Partner, you get the tools and education you need to create, work towards, and achieve a vision of shared values about people with developmental disabilities.

The Arc Maryland is looking for approximately 30 future leaders across the state, including people with developmental disabilities, parents of children with developmental disabilities, and family members, to make up the 2021 Partners class. The deadline for applying is September 7, 2020.
Please note that you must be able to attend all nine sessions.

2020 - 2021 Partners Schedule
To participate, you must be able to attend all of the sessions, which are held in a virtual/online format. All virtual sessions will be conducted on the dates below from 1 to 5 PM. *Accommodations are available to facilitate online participation and advocacy skill-building of class participants!
 
  • September 20 & 21, 2020 (Sunday & Monday) - History of the Developmental Disabilities Movement; Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
  • October 27, 2020 (Tuesday) - Developing Your Ideal Life
  • November 17, 2019 (Tuesday) - State Laws and Policies and Those Who Create Them
  • December 15, 2020 (Tuesday) - State Laws and Policies and Those Who Create Them (Continuation)
  • January 17 & 18, 2021 (Sunday & Monday) - Inclusive Education & Lifelong Learning
  • February 10, 2021 (Wednesday) - Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
  • March 2021 (no set day, individual sessions to be scheduled)
  • April 26, 2021 (Sunday) - Federal Laws and Advocacy in Action
  • April 27, 2021 (Monday) - Living Your Ideal Life
  • May 18, 2021 (Tuesday) - Taking Your Place

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