Graduates from IPSII Inc. programs  attending MN Partners in Policymaking  2006-2007               

Partners in Policymaking ®  was created in Minnesota by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities in  1987. Partners is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities.

The purpose of the program is twofold: To teach best practices in disability, and to teach the competencies of influencing public officials who make decisions about services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.                                  

It is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and other policymakers. It is about working towards, and achieving, a vision of shared values about people with disabilities and their families.

Partners is a commitment by participants to attend eight weekend sessions, where they will practice new skills in a comfortable and safe environment, build a network of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, and learn from national experts who share our vision and values.