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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2003

Fourth Annual Youth Leadership Forum Is A Success!

Forty-eight delegates chosen from across the state came to Tallahassee from July 24 through 27 and learned that anything is possible. These high school students attended The Able Trust’s fourth annual Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), an event that teaches students with a wide variety of disabilities how to identify community resources, use those resources to live independently, establish support networks and participate in community life.

During the four-day forum, students attended workshops and panel discussions on self-advocacy, career options and leadership. They met with dignitaries such as Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson and Representative Loranne Ausley during their visit to the Old Capitol, where the Lieutenant Governor read a proclamation acknowledging the 13th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Students also participated in a Disability Sensitivity Training hosted by the Center for Independent Living of North Florida. The workshop raised awareness about the different challenges faced by people with disabilities.

This year marked the first-ever Etiquette Dinner held during the YLF. Students and adults learned lessons and tips for dining, interviewing and networking. Delegates had an opportunity to perfect their networking skills at the Mentors Luncheon, where they were able to participate in one-on-one discussions with adults with disabilities from various career backgrounds. The luncheon allowed students to learn about a wide variety of career options and experiences.

Social activities, such as a movie-star-themed dance, talent show and a volunteer service project enabled delegates to interact with each other and build friendships that will last forever.

Students also received direction and motivation from former YLF participants who returned to serve as Junior Staff for the event. These youth served as peer mentors, logistical coordinators and junior facilitators for student home groups. Twenty-two Junior Staff were chosen for this year’s forum.

The YLF was funded through corporate sponsorships and donations. Special thanks to our major sponsors, including the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida Department of Education, Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program, SunTrust Bank and the Tallahassee Rotary Club. Additionally, The Able Trust would like to thank Big Bend Transit for providing transportation, the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged and the Tallahassee Rotary Club for providing volunteers, Volunteer Florida for providing Braille transcription, and Refreshment Services Pepsi, Papa John’s Pizza and Peoples First Community Bank for providing food and refreshments.

The fifth annual YLF is scheduled for July 21-25, 2004. Applications will be available by September on The Able Trust website at www.abletrust.org