The North Carolina Partners in Policymaking™(PiP) program brings people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members into the public discussion of principles and policies that affect their lives and their role in the community.

Through PiP, participants communicate knowledgeably about issues and challenges in the disability community with public officials, legislators and the general public. During a series of eight-weekend seminars, participants gain information about the structure of laws and agencies that determine and administer programs affecting people with disabilities.

Participants in PiP include adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents of a child with such a disability and other support individuals. The program receives funding from NCCDD, so therefore there is no cost to participants for the program, travel or accommodations.

Partners in Policymaking is based on the belief that the most significant and enduring public policy decisions have been brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, working together with public officials and policy specialists.

Partners in Policymaking™ teaches leadership skills and how to develop positive partnerships with elected officials and other individuals who make the policy decisions about services the disability community uses.

Download the 2016 Partners in Policymaking Application

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities would like to acknowledge the following agencies and individuals for their past contributions to the NC Partners in Policymaking program:

NC Partners in Policymaking Grantees
North Carolina Developmental Disabilities Consortium
Easter Seals
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center

NC Partners in Policymaking Coordinators
Bryant Edgerton
Megan Soyster
Judi Archer

NC Partners in Policymaking Technical Assistance
Deborah Whitfield