YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM (YLF) FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A Unique Program for Future Community Leaders
WHAT IS THE YLF?
The YLF is an innovative, intensive five-day training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The training is presented in a fun, entertaining, and educational format in Sacramento, California.
WHAT KIND OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM?
Young people with disabilities who demonstrate leadership potential, academic success, involvement in extra-curricular activities, community involvement and the ability to interact effectively with other students.
WHAT SPECIFICALLY HAPPENS AT THE FORUM?
The program includes small and large group discussions, a talent/variety show, a dance, a formal luncheon with community leaders, and a meeting in the Governor’s Office.
Topics include “Choosing a Career,” “Understanding the History of Disability as a Culture,” and “Assistive Technology for Independence Presenters include disability community leaders, legislators, celebrities, and other adult role models who have disabilities. Students identify existing challenges to personal and professional success and develop plans to deal on how to overcome those challenges.
Students learn to manage their independence.
 Students develop public policy recommendations which are formally presented by the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to the Governor and State Legislature.
Students develop “Personal Leadership Plans” which include specific action items for the students when they return to their communities.
Students learn how they may be able to participate in internships, mentoring programs, and other employment preparation activities, once the Forum has ended.
WHY HAVE THIS FORUM?
Young people with disabilities have both more opportunities and more challenges than at any other time in our nation’s history. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created unprecedented opportunities for these young people to fully develop as positive, contributing members of our society. The YLF enables them to learn from each other and from successful adults with disabilities. Hundreds of our YLF alumni lead independent lives and many have graduated from such prestigious universities as UCLA and Stanford and have successful careers.
HOW DOES THE FORUM HAPPEN
Approximately 60 high school students are selected to attend through a competive process. The event successfully integrates students who represent the disability and ethnic diversity of our state. The Forum is held annually at the end of July in the State Capitol, Sacramento, and at California State University, Sacramento
WILL THERE BE MORE FORUMS IN THE FUTURE?
The first-ever YLF was held in Sacramento in 1992 and successful forums have been held annually since then. Additionally, more than 30 other states use our YLF as a model.
HOW MUCH DOES THE FORUM COST?
There is no charge for the student delegates to attend the Forum. The cost is approximately $1500 per student, not including thousands of dollars for services and goods provided in-kind by volunteer supporters.
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