To be eligible, an individual must:

• have a developmental disability, as defined by the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Assistance Act

or

• be the parent of a young child with a developmental disability

The VBPD uses the definition below to determine eligibility for participation in Partners in Policymaking.

1. In general, “developmental disability” means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
   1. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
   2. is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
   3. is likely to continue indefinitely;
   4. results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:
      1. Self care;
      2. Receptive and expressive language;
      3. Learning;
      4. Mobility;
      5. Self direction;
      6. Capacity for independent living; and
      7. Economic self sufficiency;
         5. reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
2. Infants and young children. An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses:
   1. through (v) of subparagraph (A) if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.

Individuals are selected as Partners in Policymaking (PIP) participants in a competitive application process administered statewide. A panel of Partners graduates reviews and selects participants for each class. Following the screening and selection process, all applicants will be notified of their status by letter. 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.

All session expenses are paid by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Covered expenses include lodging, food, materials, individual accommodations/support (such as sign language interpreters, personal care assistants, respite/child care) and transportation for those needing specialized transportation services and mileage reimbursement for traveling a distance.

Partners in Policymaking participants spend the seven months building a “toolbox” for communicating effectively with legislators, policymakers, and administrators. All presentations, assignments, and group activities are designed to give Partners practice and experience working to improve policy, service systems and opportunities for full participation in community life.

Partners will be introduced to leaders in the disability rights movement. These introductions are a rare opportunity to receive background information and practical advice for advancing a shared vision. The program culminates with a trip to the State Capitol to deliver testimony using skills and knowledge gained during the training. During the program, each Partner will also present to their classmates the advocacy project they have conceived of and developed over the seven month period. Many of the projects grow into long term endeavors.

The Partners in Policymaking program requires a substantial commitment of time, motivation and energy. To provide the fullest experience, ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL SESSIONS.

The 2023-2024 PIP Training Program will be delivered in a hybrid format. Three of the seven sessions will be held in person and four will be held virtually through Zoom. The in-person sessions will be held at a hotel. The location of the hotel and confirmation of the dates for the in-person sessions will be provided on or before April 2023.