First "Disability Youth
Speak Out" A Great Success
By Susan Cohen
On October 31st, at the
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 15 youth with disabilities from across the
state had their voices heard for the first time at a NYSILC sponsored event.
"The Youth Speak Out was the first statewide conversation to help policy makers
shape the youth leadership Programs in New York State", stated Bob Gaffney,
Chair of the NYSILC Subcommittee on Youth Leadership and Empowerment.
The subcommittee has been
working for several months to develop a youth leadership project As part of the
2008-2010 State Plan For Independent Living (SPIL). The Youth Speak Out Served
as a public forum to get direct input from youth as t what their needs are.
The youth in attendance
were from Albany, Westchester, th Bronx, Catskill and Syracuse. There were
three youth facilitators, Stephanie Orlando from Families Together, D ally
Sanchez from WILC and Eva Dech also from WILC. and Peter Crowley, From CBVH was
our terrific guest speaker. NYSILC sends a special thank you to these dedicated
individuals.
Among the points mentioned
by the youth were a desire for: peer mentors, having access to employment,
community inclusion, policy mentors, learning self advocacy skills, and
breaking stigmas and stereotypes. |
NYS Independent Living Council, Inc.