It is now a requirement of local authorities and health
authorities to not only consult people who use services but also
actively involve people in how policies are developed.
People who use services and their families need to be prepared
for this role to make sure they can actively participate, but also
ensure that local and health authorities continue to work with
people.
Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training programme for
disabled adults and parents of disabled children up to school
leaving age. When we used the term disabled people we are including
people with learning disabilities, people with sensory impairments
and people with physical impairments.
Partners in Policymaking is now a recognised training programme
with the World Institute on Disability, adopting the programme in
recognition of its potential as a model for leadership training for
parents of disabled children and disabled adults.
Course Aims
The course is designed to inform and teach people about how the
social care system works and give people the skills and confidence
to make positive changes to the way their families receive support
and help and support other families do the same.
The course is intended to enable participants to:
- Contribute to policy making and its implementation in wider
service development, locally and nationally
- Work in partnership with professionals and policy makers
- Have the confidence and competence to influence decisions about
services and negotiate much more successfully when decisions are
made about what is needed
- Support and guide people and their families
- Contribute to the training of service commissioners, providers,
planners and policy makers
How the course is delivered?
The courses are typically made up of between five and eight
sessions over as many months. Each session takes place as a
residential over two days.
An important element of the programme is the quality of the
speakers who are all passionate about social justice. By hearing
from the best people in each field, delegates become aware of
what's possible, and motivated to strive for better lives for
themselves and their families.
We strive to create a learning environment that is safe, where
people feel comfortable about asking questions and talking about
their experiences.
During the course delegates develop the experience of using
microphones, public speaking and taking constructive approaches in
meetings. Participants also have opportunities to practice skills
such as finding the right information, making contact with policy
makers and people who work in services, presenting their views and
learning how decisions are made and how to influence them.
Everyone is provided with resources such as books, articles from
journals and other documentation to form the basis of their own
libraries.
Course Content
Each session looks at issues which are important to
disabled people and their families.
Topic areas of the course include:
- History of how disabled people have been supported
- Inclusive education
- Whole life planning and Person Centred Planning
- Employment
- Housing
- Policy Development
- Assistive Technology
- Supported Living
- Advocacy
Please be aware that the course content may
change.
Last Updated : 04 February 2011. Page Author: Administrator.
