Partners in Policymaking®

• Adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent)
• Legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic people who want to work for systems change and improving the lives of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Individuals who can make a commitment to attend six monthly sessions from September through February.

Individuals participating in PIP attend advocacy training, resource development, and skill building workshops led by state and national experts. Topics covered include the history of the disability rights movement, self-advocacy, independent living, employment, building inclusive communities, natural supports, legislative advocacy, assistive technology, communication, team building, and much more.

During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to 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. Partners is about systems change – creating, working toward and achieving a vision of shared values about people with disabilities. This program 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 partnerships with policymakers. It’s about becoming confident in yourself, competent in the knowledge and information you’ll receive, and comfortable in sharing the life experiences and expertise you bring to the program.

• Attend the training sessions that are on a Friday and Saturday each month (except session 5 which is on a Thursday and Friday). The first day of each session typically runs from 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the second day of each session typically runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Attendance at all six monthly sessions is mandatory.
  • Session 1: September 12-13, 2025
  • Session 2: October 10-11, 2025
  • Session 3: November 14-15, 2025
  • Session 4: December 12-13, 2025
  • Session 5: January 15-16, 2026
  • Session 6: February 20-21, 2026
  • (these dates are tentative and subject to change)
• Complete all homework assignments (approximately 2 to 4 hours) between training sessions usually consisting of reading, evaluating resources on the internet, and practical exercises.
• Completion of a major project benefiting people with developmental disabilities in your community.
• The 2025-2026 Partners in Policymaking program is an in-person program.  All classes will be held in Orlando, exact location to be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Individuals are selected as Partners in Policymaking (PIP) participants in a competitive application process administered statewide. A panel  comprised of Partners graduates reviews and selects participants for each class. Following the screening and selection process, all applicants will be notified of their status. We encourage applicants who are not selected to re-apply, as we always receive more worthy applications than we have spaces to fill. Each class is carefully selected to represent a range of experience, demographics, and abilities.

• There is NO financial cost to participate in PIP.
• Attendant care and respite services are available and will be reimbursed at a pre-arranged rate (if needed).
• Other necessary accommodations will be provided at no cost such as  alternative materials.
• Partners WILL cost you time and effort, but Partners graduates agree that the commitment you make as a participant is well worth the life changes, knowledge you will gain, and relationships you will build while participating in the program.

• Information, skills and confidence to bring about change for those with developmental disabilities across a life-span. 
• The opportunity to meet and unite with others who have similar concerns and create a powerful voice on important issues.
• Hands-on experience in the state law-making process.
• Instruction and access to national experts in their field.

Topics included:

• History of the Disability Movement
• Inclusive Education and Transition
• Assistive Technology
• Supported/Competitive Employment
• Supported/Independent Living
• Person Centered Planning
• Community Support
• State and Federal Legislative Process
• Leadership Development
• Organizing for Systems Change

The application period for the 2025-2026 PIP class closes June 30, 2025, at 11:59pm ET. Any applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted for consideration for the 2025-2026 PIP class.

Click Here for the PIP Application

The next application period, for the 2026-2027 PIP class, will open March 1, 2026.