PIPA

various glass containers used for lab testing

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. In PIPA, participants develop the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and integration in all aspects of community life for themselves and others. PIPA graduates are prepared to work with policymakers and empowered to be advocates for change. These advocacy skills are enhanced as graduates continue to work and grow together as the Partners Alumni Network (PAN), where they may also serve as mentors for future PIPA participants. PIPA graduates may also be eligible to apply for the Partners in Policymaking® Advisory Council (PIPAC) to advise the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) on the development, content, and evaluation of PIPA.

PIPA is a collaborative project of the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDN) including the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD), Alabama University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP).

Topics and Sessions

History of the Disability Movement
Self-Advocacy
Independent Living
Supported Living/Home in the community
Service Coordination/Case Management

Inclusive Education
Self-Directed/Person-Centered Planning
Supported Competitive Employment
Meeting a Public Official

State Legislation
Federal Legislation
Parliamentary Procedure/Serving on Boards
Advocacy and Community Organizing

Participant Requirements

Person with developmental disabilities or family members who reflect Alabama’s diverse communities
At least 18 years of age
Complete all assignments and a PIPA approved Leadership Project (requires access to and basic knowledge of computers/email)
Participate in all training sessions, both in-person and online formats.
Join the Partners Alumni Network, designed for graduates to stay connected with each other, to support advocacy efforts within Alabama, and to use their expertise to create positive change.

PIPA 2024 Proposed In-person Weekend Schedule (subject to change) Friday 2 PM – 8 PM Saturday 8 AM- 3 PM
Month	Date	Location
January	19	Virtual
January	26-27	Virtual
February	16-17	Tuscaloosa
March	22-23	Virtual
April	26-27	Virtual
May	16-18	Birmingham
June	21-22	Virtual
July	26-27	Montgomery

This 2024 schedule may be used as a reference for upcoming years. PIPA is dedicated to taking this training opportunity to various locations throughout the state each year to embrace the diversity of each region. Click image to enlarge.

Schedule and Location

Training usually consists of an online orientation, 7 monthly weekend sessions, and one Wednesday evening training each month. Some sessions are in-person and others are virtual. Schedules are posted prior to application due dates. Exact session times may vary during the scheduled training year due to travel times and speaker availability.

PIPA 2024 Proposed Virtual Wednesday Schedule 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
February	7	Virtual
March	6	Virtual
April	10	Virtual
May	8	Virtual
June	5	Virtual
July	10	Virtual

Cost and Applications

COST

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.