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 2024 Training will consist of an online orientation in January, followed by seven (7)  weekend sessions monthly from January through July 2024, and one (1) Wednesday evening training each month. Some sessions are in-person, hybrid or virtual. The new schedule and information for PIPA year 3 is available now.

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 that aligns with the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities State Priorities:

  • Education and Early Intervention
  • Employment
  • Formal and Informal Community Supports
  • Health

Apply

Applications for the 2024 cohort are open and available below. 
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 is availabe here.

A paper version is available here if you would like to see what the questions are before you apply.

Download a Partners in Policymaking Alabama brochure here

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than Wednesday, December 6, 2023 to be considered for the 2024 class. Selected candidates will be scheduled for an interview between December 8-20 and receive notice of acceptance by December 22, 2023.

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 2024 is below. PIPA is dedicated to taking this training opportunity to various locations throughout the state each year to embrace the diversity of each region.

Partners in Policymaking Advisory Council (PIPAC) 

The Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) established an advisory council to support its leadership training program, Partners in Policymaking Alabama (PIPA). The advisory council was designated as the Alabama Partners in Policymaking Advisory Council (PIPAC). This council was very active as the PIPA program was developed and is now on reserve providing as needed advice.

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 is currently being served utilizing a monthly newsletter to continue the network and communication between graduates. The PAN is currently developing an Executive Committee to continue working together and as mentors for the new cohort. Our goal is to meet virtually on a quarterly basis and annually (either in-person or virtually) either in conjunction with PIPA graduation or at another time convenient to the current PIPA class schedule. 

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.