Partners in Policymaking
Partners in Policymaking is a national leadership training program teaching individuals with developmental disabilities and parents the skills to become community leaders and catalysts for systems change. Participants learn how to advocate for the best available services for themselves and others. This program identifies the current trends about disability issues and develops in participants leadership skills necessary to impact public policy at all levels of government.
The goal of Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) is to accomplish productive partnerships between the people needing and utilizing services and those who form public policy. KPIP was founded on the belief that the most significant and lasting public policy decisions came from the efforts of those most affected by them, working together with public officials and policy experts. KPIP educates participants about present issues and best practices and teaches them about local, state and federal levels legislative processes of policymaking. The program sessions cover and are dedicated to specific topics presented by nationally known experts in their fields. Topics include History of Disabilities & Services, Inclusive Education, Kentucky’s Legislative Process, Social Engagement, Community Organizing, and Systems Change Advocacy.
KPIP offers eight sessions over nine months. The in person sessions begin at 11 am on Friday and 9 am Saturday. Zoom sessions begin at 9 am both days. The schedule for 2024-2025 is:
- September 13-14, 2024, Friday and Saturday- in person
- October 11-12, 2024, Friday and Saturday- via zoom
- November 8-9, 2024, Friday and Saturday- in person
- January 10-11, 2025, Friday and Saturday- in person
- February 7-8 2025, Friday and Saturday- via zoom
- March 4-5, 2025, Tuesday and Wednesday in person for Capitol Visit
- April 11-12, 2025, Friday and Saturday- via zoom
- May 9-10, 2025, Friday and Saturday- in person for Graduation
KPIP was founded on the belief that the most significant and lasting public policy decisions have been carried through the efforts of those most affected by them, working together with public officials and policy experts. KPIP teaches leadership skills and how to develop positive partnerships with elected officials and other individuals who make the policy decisions about services the disability community uses.
Click here to view the FAQ: 
2024 2025 KPIP FAQ.pdf
Apply Online: KPIP 2024-2025 Application