Oregon Partners in Policymaking

Partners in Policymaking was originally created in Minnesota by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities in 1987. Since then, Partners programs have been implemented in 46 states, the Northern Mariana Islands, Netherlands, Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. More than 15,000 Partners graduates are part of a growing international network of community leaders serving on policy making committees, commissions, and boards at all levels of government.

Partners in Policymaking in Oregon has graduated 8 classes of participants since 1994, the first year the program was offered in our state. The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has maintained a strong commitment to Partners over the past 14 years, providing the funding and support for the program.

As of 2006, 166 self-advocates and family members have graduated from the Oregon course, now offered on a biannual basis (every two years).

For more information about the national model, see the Minnesota Partners in Policymaking website.