Partners in Policymaking

Address: 658 Cedar Street,, 370 Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: (651) 296-4018 Email: admin.dd@state.mn.us Website: http://mn.gov/mnddc/pipm/

Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Nearly twenty five years ago, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities created a ground-breaking, innovative training program called Partners in Policymaking® to teach parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy to change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. During the past two decades, important issues have been confronted and dramatic changes have been made. The first Council was appointed in October 1971 in accordance with the authority prescribed to the Governor of Minnesota by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act [Section 122 (b) (A)]. The Act requires a state council "to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities by carrying out activities in major areas of emphasis."  The Council is composed of 25 members appointed for three-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Each member is appointed by the Governor from among state residents. The Act requires each state council to include representatives of state agencies responsible for administering federal funds that support programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the elderly. Council members represent the Departments of Children, Families and Learning; Economic Security and Human Services; the Institute on Community Integration (University Center for Excellence) and the Minnesota Disability Law Center (Protection and Advocacy system). Nongovernmental agencies and private nonprofit organizations are also represented. 

TTY: (651) 297-7200