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The Able Trust Youth Leadership Forum

General Information

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a unique leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The event 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.

Over a four-day period, students learn from successful adults with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models. They are introduced to others who, like them, have the "ability" to climb the ladder of success. They will make friends whose support will last a lifetime. And each of these young people will take from the forum information that will benefit not only themselves, but also other young people with disabilities and their community.

Thanks to the support of sponsors such as the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council , the YLF is able to cover all costs for delegates to attend the forum, including transportation to and from, housing and meals. The forum takes place at Southgate Campus Centre, a private dormitory on Florida State University's campus in Tallahassee.

What Kind of Students Participate in the Youth Leadership Forum?

Young People Who Have Disabilities and Who Demonstrate:

• Leadership Potential
• Participation in Extra-curricular Activities and Community Involvement
• The Ability to Interact Effectively with Other Students

What Will Happen at the Youth Leadership Forum?

The Able Trust Will...

• Bring together young people with disabilities who demonstrate potential leadership qualities;
• Share information with delegates 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;
• Introduce delegates disability community leaders, legislators, business leaders and other successful professionals;
• Identify existing barriers to personal and professional success and develop plans to deal with those barriers;
• Provide 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;
• Assist each student in developing a "Personal Leadership Plan" which will include specific action plans for the students when they return to their communities;
• Provide a "Futures Kit" with information and resources that the delegates will find useful as they continue to develop their leadership skills beyond YLF; and

For More Information

The Youth Leadership Forum takes place annually in July in Tallahassee. For more information about sponsoring or participating in the forum, call Ray Ford, Jr. at (850) 224-4493 or email ray@abletrust.org.