Alliance for Full Participation

The Alliance for Full Participation (AFP) is a formal partnership of leading developmental disabilities organizations with a common vision—to create a better and more fulfilling quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.  Through the diversity of our many voices, we will collectively reach this goal.

AFP also supports a network of state teams, dedicated to promoting full participation for people with developmental disabilities.

AFP's Definition of Employment

Individuals with developmental disabilities want to work in integrated settings along with their non-disabled colleagues. They want to be afforded the same wages, benefits, and opportunities to advance in their careers, and contribute to society, and move out of poverty. To obtain equal access to employment, education must make transition from school to work a priority rather than an add-on, and adult service providers must work to remove barriers and support individuals in real jobs for real pay.

AFP History

2003:  AFP is founded as a vibrant collaboration of the key stakeholders in the developmental disabilities field focused on a common purpose—to enhance full participation for all.

2005:  AFP hosts a Washington DC Summit that creates an action agenda for full participation that is incorporated into the strategic planning of all member organizations.  In addition, AFP created an interactive DVD series to educate the public about the promise of full participation for people with developmental disabilities.

• AFP’s 2005 Summit, Many Voices, One Vision, drew over 2,400 people from all branches of the developmental disability community, including self advocates, family members, researchers, service providers and direct support workers.

2009:  the Alliance for Full Participation announced its new campaign, “Real Jobs – It’s Everybody’s Business,” and its goal of doubling the employment rate for people with developmental disabilities by 2015.

Despite the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has remained distressingly low.  Our challenge goal is the first of its kind since 1980.  When achieved it will make a significant difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.