Why are Youth Leadership Forums so important? Because they change lives!
The impact for YLF delegates is different for each person, but, one thing is for certain… youth with disabilities are changed in positive ways when they attend this program. From gaining more confidence to having a clearer picture of the future; from growing in their advocacy skills to being exposed to role models, each delegate comes away with new tools and a new attitude that makes them a better leader and a stronger individual.
The impact can clearly be seen in the words of YLF alumni themselves!
Quotes from MA alumni
“That my disability doesn’t define me! And that the ableism that comes from others has roots in their own fears and insecurities.”
“There are many ways to get engaged with government representatives and officials to advocate and fight for rights that are important to people who have disabilities.”
“I was very impressed with how informative the workshop was, as I was able to discover other helpful strategies, I can use to help me navigate the process of finding and enrolling in a four-year college/university that best fits my needs.”
“It’s a privilege to be a part of YLF. Thank you for letting me become a more patient, kind, active member of my community!”
“I had a great time learning how to be a leader alongside hearing inspirational speeches form keynote speakers.”
“I liked that we had more time to get together with other people in different groups.”
“It was an amazing experience for my first year and I would love to come back and be a peer leader.”
“I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends and doing different activities with them.”
“Overall great week, I really appreciate all the work that goes into this, and I love what the program stands for. Had some minor accessibility issues with the van coming back from the Red Sox game. Also, it would be appreciated if we had a greater sense of freedom to go around the Boston area, however I completely understand why this may not be possible. For suggestions of further YLFs more resources in mental health would be helpful. I also believe many of the clientele at these events would benefit from more art programs. Thanks to all the great staff who made this possible, it really is a impactful program for many. Hope to see you all again!”
“What was one message you learned from a keynote speaker? “
“Don’t let your disability limit you or restrict you from doing what you want.”
“Never give up and you will always achieve your goals.”
“If you can’t find a place for yourself, create one”
“Being different is not less than.”
“Don’t let your disability get in the way of living your life.”
“I learned about how to use good communication as we get along with others.”
“What was one message that you learned from a workshop you attended?”
“Advocate for oneself and for others who can’t.”
“How to do an interview”
“Friendship is about how you treat your friend and how they treat you.”
“I learned what to write in a resume and about friendships.”
“Multiple types of assistive tech.”
“There are so many different opportunities to make friends in the community, and even though it might be harder with a disability, it isn’t impossible.”
I learned …
“I learned that people with disability had to fight for their rights”
“I have learned from not only her but from the tec talk a very wonderful inspiration is that you can do whatever you want rather you have a disability or not everyone is different and that is ok.”
“Most arts don’t represent disability well”
“Inclusiveness is an endless effort. It is all in the hands of the future generations!”
“Reasonable accommodations in the workplace”
“How some accommodations I had in school can translate to the workplace (like extra time on tests becoming extra time on certain tasks)”
Quotes from KS alumni
I am more motivated to advocate for myself. I enjoyed learning about disability pride. It was a good experience. – Abrienda
[I learned] that I can do anything I put my mind to. You can do something on your own, but you can ask for help. – Samantha
I got that it is okay to have a disability. I learned what it means to be a leader. I will go to college and I will live on my own. I learned that, even though I have a disability, I am just like everybody else. I liked this and I made new friends. – Khia
[I enjoyed] learning about different areas when it Comes to what you want to do, over letting your disability stop you. I learned about taking accountability, standing up for what you believe is right. I got out of my comfort zone, while I got to meet new people. – Tae’Andre
[I learned] that it is okay to have a disability. It helped me to see that I am not alone at all. – Sophia
[I learned about] the programs that will help with college and also the people that can connect with. I learned a lot more about self advocating about myself. I learned that I feel more comfortable with people with disability. I will spread information about people with disabilities. – Evan
I learned that leadership is a good thing, and you can always be a leader at any time of the day. I learned a lot. You can do anything you put your mind to and all the resources to help. – Allie
I learned about different disabilities and how to be a good leader. I learned how to open up to people more often and to make new friends. [I will do this differently]- talking to more people and being a good leader. I learned that my disability does not define who I am as a person. [I would change] nothing because I had a really fun time with other people. – Charli
[I learned] that having someone to guide me in group dances is very helpful and that I prefer these types (of dances). [I will] stay up to date with community happenings and try to participate more. – Isaac
[I learned] that anyone can be a leaders. That I have enough self-esteem and confidence, I can put my mind to things. [I will] be more outgoing for myself and social. [I learned] that I can speak up for myself about my accommodations. – Haley
I learned more about leadership. I can be myself. – Avery
[I will] tell others more about my disabilities. – A’Issa
I will try to do better things in life because I attend KSYLF. Thank you guys. – Patrick
I did not know I had a learning disability. I learned to talk to people nicely, how to be a leader, and how to be assertive. – Baylee
KSYLF 2023
“The staff and volunteers were very supportive, considerate, and helpful. They helped me get through tough spots, and made sure to include everyone in the activities. They taught me how to advocate for myself better. Please never stop supporting this organization. This can change thousands more lives for the positive.” – Dylan H., Cheney
“I really love this place and I don’t wanna say goodbye yet. This is like my second family. I learned that having a disability is okay. You don’t need to feel ashamed of having one. I wouldn’t change anything. I love it here so much.” – Zander S., Haysville
OTHER YEARS
“[I learned about] being able to have a more powerful voice and that anyone can be a leader no matter what. I am now able to set goals.” – 2022 KSYLF Alumni
“[You taught me] I can achieve anything I want with having a disability.” – 2022 KSYLF Alumni
“It has impacted my life by making me a better leader and advocate, and I able to motivate others by example.” – 2019 KSYLF Alumni
“Thank you guys so much. You have no idea how the forum has positively affected my life. I have made life long friends, and I am so much happier! I love you all!” – 2012 KSYLF Alumni
“Thank you so much for making realize that I matter to the world and that I have a personality that needs to be shared.” – 2015 KSYLF Alumni
“[I learned] that you can do anything if you put your mind to it!” – 2013 KSYLF Alumni
“The sessions made me learn new things and helped me step out of my comfort zone. [I now know] I can get accommodations, even at the workplace. I learned I am a leader, and I am braver than I thought. I should never feel ashamed about my disability. [I will now] advocate more for myself and maybe others.” Christian, KSYLF Alumni ‘22
“This opportunity was amazing, and I have so many new resources, skills, and friends because of it. I learned there is nothing that makes me unable and how to use my disability and story to propel me. I also learned there are so many different kinds of leadership. Everyone can lead in their own way, and we are all able.” – Kirstianna, KSYLF Alumna ‘18
“I learned how to advocate for myself and access important resources. I learned that my disability does not prevent me from talking with others. [I also learned that] leadership involves knowing when to lead and when to follow others.” – Gabriel, KSYLF Alumni ‘16
“I learned that I am a part of a community that I never knew was so accepting and loving. I hope to get more involved in this community.” – Ally, KSYLF Alumna ‘19
“I learned that CP doesn’t really stand for cerebral palsy, it stands for cool people! [I also learned] that I can use my disability as an asset to allow me to relate to more people. I will be a more assertive leader, and I will always be proud to have cerebral palsy. I love all of the staff and other delegates!! Make [YLF] longer. Please!?” – Claire, KSYLF Alu
A picture is worth a thousand words! Not convinced yet of the impact of this program? Watch these videos and you will know that YLF changes lives!
Kansas Youth Leadership Forum 2019 Video
Kansas Youth Leadership Forum 2019 Video- audio description
South Dakota Youth Leadership Forum 2024
Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum