2008 Partners in Policymaking Begins

Deborah Whitfield

The 2008 class of New York State Partners in Policymaking convened for the first time in Albany on May 30 and 31. Participants explored the history of disabilities, the parent movement, and the concept of people-first language. Through hands-on accelerated learning techniques, they began to get to know one another and to understand the journey they will take over the next eight months. The weekend featured presentations by Deborah Whitfield, an attorney from North Carolina who is a Texas Partners in Policymaking graduate; Tom Harmon, a consultant who is recently retired from NYS Commision on Quality of Care; and past graduates of the New York State program.

A second group of participants has been selected to participate in a regional edition of Partners to be held on Long Island beginning in June 2008.  This regional approach will use distance learning techniques in combination with site-based presentations at the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University.

Partners in Policymaking is presented by The Advocacy Center with funding from the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.  For more information about Partners, contact Joyce Steel at 1-800-650-4967 ext. 234.