Florida Youth Leadership Forum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)?

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a unique leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The event is cosponsored by The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor's Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. It is held annually in July in Tallahassee, Florida. Fifty student delegates are selected for their demonstrated leadership potential through a competitive application process. The goal of the YLF is to develop a network of young adults with disabilities who realize their ability to pursue meaningful employment and societal contributions, while helping break down the barriers to independence for people with disabilities.

2. Why should I attend YLF?

Delegates who participate in YLF will have the opportunity to…

• Meet with other young people with disabilities who demonstrate leadership qualities;
• Meet with community leaders, legislatures, business leaders and other successful professionals;
• Spend the weekend on a college campus inside college dorms;
• Participate in social opportunities that enable students with different abilities and disabilities to network and learn from each other through activities such as a Capitol Tour, Mentors Luncheon, Talent Show and Farewell Dance
• Learn through educational programs that include such topics as The History of the Disability Movement, Self-advocacy, Community Resources that Lead to Independence, Career Options and Academic Opportunities
• Develop a "Personal Leadership Plan" which will include specific action plans for students when you return to your communities
• Obtain a "Futures Kit," upon completion of the program, with information and resources that you will find useful as you continue to develop your leadership skills beyond YLF

3. When and where will the Forum take place?

YLF takes place each year in July, Thursday-Sunday, in Tallahassee, Florida. Delegates will be housed at Southgate Campus Centre, a private dormitory on the campus of Florida State University.

4. When can I apply for the 2008 YLF?

YLF applications are available each September. You can download a copy of the application from this website or call The Able Trust toll-free at 888.838.2253.

5. What is the typical schedule of events for the program?

Thursday:

• Delegates arrive in Tallahassee
• Workshops on Disability History, Assistive Technology
• Etiquette Dinner
• Home Group Discussions

Friday:

• Workshops on Self advocacy, Living Independently, Achieving Your Career Goals
• Tour of the Florida Capitol and meetings with government dignitaries
• Interactive Disability Sensitivity Training
• Tour the FSU Stadium
• Home Group Discussions
• Delegate Dance and Karaoke

Saturday:

• Leadership and Community Service Activities
• Resource Round Robins on Disability Services, Volunteerism, Budgeting, Recreation
• Workshop on Transitioning
• Home Group Discussions
• Talent Show
• Student Awards

Sunday:

• YLF Slide Show
• Large Group Reflections

6. What requirements must I meet to participate in the program?

High school junior and senior students with a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act -ADA) may apply to be a delegate. Those students who are chosen should demonstrate leadership potential, participation in extra-curricular activities, school and/or community involvement and the ability to interact effectively with other students.

7. What is the application deadline?

Delegate applications are due December 7, 2007.

YLF applications are available each Fall. You can download a copy of the application from this website or call The Able Trust toll-free at 888.838.2253

8. How much will the weekend cost me?

There is NO charge for student delegates to attend / or participate in the YLF. All costs, including transportation to and from, housing and meals are paid for by The Able Trust and contributing sponsors.

9. How are students chosen?

The Able Trust's YLF committee reviews applications and selects delegates based on information provided in the application, including letters of recommendation and student essays. Geographic location, ethnicity and disability type are considered in order for the YLF to represent a diverse group of students.

10. When will I know if I am chosen to participate?

Students are notified each March of their acceptance as a YLF delegate.

11. Where do I stay during the YLF?

Student delegates will stay at the Southgate Campus Centre, a private dormitory, on FSU's campus in Tallahassee, Florida.

12. What types of accommodations are available to me as a participant?

The Able Trust staff and volunteers are dedicated to making sure that YLF delegates have everything they need to make the weekend a success. Extensive communication between the YLF staff, the delegates and his or her parent/guardian is maintained prior to the event to ensure that delegates receive the appropriate accommodations. Accommodations may include: personal care attendants, a sign language interpreter, materials in alternative formats, etc.

13. My parent/guardian is my personal care attendant, can they attend the YLF with me?

The YLF is a leadership conference designed only for students with disabilities. For security purposes and to ensure the students have a full leadership experiences, parents are not allowed to attend the forum. The Able Trust provides experienced, insured personal care attendants for students needing these accommodations. In addition, medical staff stays onsite during the entire event.

14. What type of security and chaperoning is provided at the dorm and offsite activities during the YLF?

Students are housed at the Southgate Campus Centre during the YLF. This private dormitory has 24-hour on-site security. Adult chaperones and medical staff will also be present at all times. All volunteers for the YLF have been screened by The Able Trust prior to acceptance to participate with the program.