A leadership training program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members.

Sponsored by the
Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network 

What is Partners in Policymaking Alabama (PIPA)?

PIPA is a leadership training program designed for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their family members. PIPA believes that the most significant and lasting public policy decisions come from the efforts of those most affected by them. Upon completion of PIPA, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to be advocates for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and integration in all aspects of community life for themselves and others. PIPA graduates will be prepared to work with policymakers and will be empowered to be advocates for change. 

WHO Eligible participants are persons with developmental disabilities and family members who reflect Alabama's diverse communities. Participants must be 18 years of age, possess the ability to complete assignments, have access to and basic knowledge of computers/email, and availability to attend designated workshops, lectures and sessions.

WHEN 2022-2023 Training will consist of an online orientation in September, seven (7)  weekend sessions monthly from October 2022 through April 2023, and one (1) Wednesday evening training each month. Some sessions will be in-person and others will be virtual. The new schedule will be available soon.

COST None! This training is FREE to participants. All registration, training, resource material, overnight lodging and food costs during in-person sessions are provided. Transportation is not provided to session locations by PIPA , but mileage reimbursement is available.

Program and Application Information Participant Requirements

Participant Requirements

• Participate in all training sessions, both in-person and online formats.

• Complete all assignments and a PIPA approved Leadership Project.

• Join the Partners Alumni Network, designed for graduates to stay connected with each other, to support advocacy efforts within Alabama, and to use their expertise to create positive change.

Apply

Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort are closed. 
Contact the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) at 833-258-4784 to respond to questions. Weekend sessions dates are subject to change with advance notice.

The application for next year will be availble soon.

Download a Partners in Policymaking Alabama brochure here.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 7, 2022 to be considered for the 2022-2023 class. Selected applicants will be notified by August 26th.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need help completing the application, contact the DD Network at 833-258-4784.

Schedule

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING ALABAMA SCHEDULE FOR 2021-2022 is below and may be used as a reference for the year 2022-2023. PIPA is dedicated to taking this training opportunity to various locations thoughout the state each year to embrace the diversity of each region.

In-person weekend sessions       Friday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
                                                    Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Virtual weekend sessions            Friday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 
                                                    Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Virtual monthly sessions             Wednesday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Exact session times are subject to variability during the scheduled training year due to travel times and speaker avialablity.

Partners in Policymaking Advisory Council (PIPAC) 

Information for Applicants

The Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) established an advisory council to support its new leadership training program, Partners in Policymaking Alabama (PIPA). The advisory council will be called the Alabama Partners in Policymaking Advisory Council (PIPAC).

What are the duties of the Partners in Policymaking Advisory Council (PIPAC)?

The PIPAC will advise the ADDN on the development, content, and evaluation of PIPA. Specific duties of the PIPAC may include the following:

• Advising the ADDN on the development of the selection criteria of the PIPA participants

• Reviewing PIPA applications and advising the ADDN in the selection of PIPA participants

• Assisting the ADDN in PIPA recruitment outreach opportunities  

• Providing input on the PIPA curriculum and training structures

• Reviewing program outcomes

How will the PIPAC be set up?

The 2021-22 PIPAC consisted of twelve volunteer members – six at large members recruited through the application process and six appointed members representing the advisory councils of the ADDN’s member organizations (two members each from the ACDD, ADAP and the UCEDD). The PIPAC members will serve a three-year term with two new members recruited each year unti the total number of six is reached. 

How often will the PIPAC meet?

The PIPAC will meet virtually in 2–3-times a year.   

Who is eligible to be on the PIPAC?

Eligible PIPAC applicants are persons with DD and family members of persons with DD. The PIPAC is committed to building a diverse group of members, reflecting the needs, geography, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Alabama’s communities. Supports and accommodations will be provided for each member to full participate on the PIPAC.

The ADDN continues to seek individuals with experience in:
• advocating for oneself and/or for policy change at the federal, state, or local level
• familiarity with public and private systems that serve Alabamians with DD
• experience in sharing one’s lived experiences
• knowledge of self-advocacy strategies and the self-advocacy movement
• knowledge of training best practices
• interest and/or experience in team building.

How will PIPAC members be selected?

Members will be selected by the ADDN.  Application materials will be reviewed using a rubric that will take into consideration factors such as: experiences, disability, geography, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

How will the PIPAC be structured after its first year?

The 2022-2023 PIPAC will consist of the original 12 members that are not graduates of a previous PIPA. PIPA graduates will now become active members in the Partners Alumni Network (PAN).

Partners Alumni Network (PAN)

Upon completion of PIPA, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to be advocates for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and integration in all aspects of community life for themselves and others. PIPA graduates will be prepared to work with policymakers and will be empowered to be advocates for change. These advocacy skills will be enhanced as a group that will work and continue to grow together as the Partners Alumni Network. PAN members may also serve as mentors for current PIPA participants.

Who is eligible to be on the PAN?

The PIPA graduates will automatically be eligible and become active members in the Partners Alumni Network (PAN). 

How often will the PAN meet?

The PAN will meet at least annually (either in-person or virtually) in conjunction with PIPA graduation and will determine how many other times they will meet each year. Plans are in the making for a PAN event spring of 2024.

What are the duties of the PAN?

The duties of the PAN are to continue to utilize the skills learned during their PIPA training, to use the knowledge for systems change in Alabama, and to mentor the current PIPA participants.