Partners in Policymaking Program Overview and Pandemic Response

Partners in Policymaking October 29, 2020

PIP IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1 100% State-wide Group In-Person Traditionally, this is the preferred format approved by the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. PHASE 2 Regional Format The regional format is the approved format when the minimal required applicants by recruitment and selection has not been met.

Since 1997 (with the exception of 2016) 500 individuals have graduated from the Partners in Policymaking program. Of this number, the top three regions of graduates have been Region 9 with 19.8%, Region 2 with 14.2%, and Region 10 with 12.4%. The regions with the lease amount of graduates is Region 8 with 4.4%. Of the 500 graduates, the record indicates 378 identified as a parent, self-advocate, or both. 74% of this number were parents, 25% self-advocates, and 1% identified as both parents and self-advocates.

6.2% 6.2% 14.2% 14.2% 7% 7% 11.8% 11.8% 6.4% 6.4% 5% 5% 9.6% 9.6% 4.4% 4.4% 19.8% 19.8% Other 3.2% Other 3.2% Region 10 12.4% Region 10 12.4% 10 10

2020 PANDEMIC EMERGENCY On September 8, 2020 the following email was sent to PIP Coordinators Greetings, I hope this email finds you well and safe. I am Adrienne Thomas, the Partners in Policymaking Coordinator for Louisiana. I was selected as the coordinator in December 2019, and facilitated my first class in January 2020. I facilitated my 2nd (February) and 3rd (March) classes while learning about Partners and navigating through on-the-job training; then the complete shut down compliments of COVID-19. I regard myself as an advocate of individuals with disabilities as the mother of a young adult daughter with an intellectual disability, with a background in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, and Special Education, but was not aware of Partners in Policymaking until I applied for the position of coordinator. Therefore, please excuse my questions if they have already been discussed in a platform elsewhere.

2020 PANDEMIC EMERGENCY QUESTION #1 How long have you been with the Partners in Policymaking program? QUESTION #2Is there a discussion platform (or website, social media group, etc) where coordinator's are communicating with each other? If yes, can you provide a link or information? QUESTION #3 Was your Partners in Policymaking 2020 class completed or "shutdown" due to COVID-19? Was there an alternate format used for completion? QUESTION #4 Are there plans in your state to commence the completion of the 2020 class, and how? QUESTION #5 Are you recruiting for applicants for a 2021 class with an alternate format proposed? QUESTION #6 Have you ever partnered (recruited, enrolled, interned and/or other) with an inclusive program in higher education? If so, please describe.

PIP IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS PHASE 3 Regional or Virtual In Person PHASE 4 Virtual Regional In Person PHASE 5 100% Virtual

WHERE ARE WE? PHASE 4 Virtual Regional In Person

CONCERNS/ADVANTAGES/DISAVANTAGES The Pandemic concerns when it comes to families with individuals with disabilities Is it really safe to meet in person Should 2020 class be combined with 2021 class? Effective Recruitment and Selection Process Cohesiveness among sub groups