Youth Leadership Forums

Youth Leadership Forums empower students with disabilities to be self-advocates.  The concept was first developed in 1992 by the California Governor's Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons.  This highly successful program helps students with disabilities learn and grow into successful adults.  As of October of 2016, approximately 29 other states host Youth Leadership Forums. See State Chapter Contact List at http://www.nationalaylf.org/chapters.html.  Some states, like Kansas, host a motivational multi-day forum for high school juniors and seniors, with various disabilities, to learn about leadership, advocacy, and goal setting. Delegates and volunteers from all over the state gather on a local university campus to experience this intensive, resourceful conference. Small sessions give delegates the opportunity to share experiences and explore personal leadership and career plans.  See Kansas Youth Leadership Forum at http://www.kyea.org/whatisksylf