NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Awards $215,000 to The Advocacy Center of Rochester

ALBANY, NY (12/14/2007)(readMedia)-- George E. Fertal, Sr., Chairperson, today announced that on December 13th, 2007 the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) awarded funds to the Advocacy Center of Rochester for the fifth year of a potential five year contract for the "Partners-in-Policymaking" initiative.

New York State was one of the first states to receive training to conduct a Partners-In-Policymaking Training Program. Since 1990, over 1500 individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, caregivers, and family members have graduated from NYS Partners-In-Policymaking. Many of these individuals have assumed leadership roles at the local, state and federal levels. Others have become effective advocates for their families as well as others, in a variety of settings.

This advocacy and leadership development program provides information and skill-building for participating individuals and educates them on how to obtain needed services and supports for themselves and others. It provides "interactive and hands-on" exercises in a supportive environment that will enable participants to become educated consumers and/or advisors. It provides them with tools to become active in the policy-making arena. The program also acquaints the participants with organizations, current events and resources as they are educated on policymaking at the local, state and federal levels.

Joyce Steele, Director Partners-In-Policymaking, The Advocacy Center, states, “Since 2000, The Advocacy Center has collaborated with the DDPC on the New York State Partners-in-Policymaking program. New York State Partners graduates are part of a national and international network of over 15000 community, state and national leaders working to affect positive change for people with developmental disabilities. Many Partners say that the Partners experience has been life changing and one of the most enriching times in their lives. The following two quotes sum up the feelings of most Partners: ‘I feel more powerful and understand that I am a voice to change the way that things will be for people with disabilities in the future.’ ‘I’ve gained knowledge, understanding and internal leadership and confidence of what I have to do in the future; a feeling and understanding that I am not alone with what I want for tomorrow.’ It is clear that New York State Partners are leading the way for change across New York.”

The DDPC is a federally funded state agency dedicated to designing and implementing new programs that serve New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families in the most effective way possible. Sixty percent of the Governor-appointed membership of the DDPC is parents and people with developmental disabilities. For more information on the DDPC, go to: www.ddpc.state.ny.us.

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