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CT Youth Leadership Celebrates 25 Years of Forums for High School Students With Disabilities
The Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum (CTYLF), held yearly at the University of Connecticut, is a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, fostering leadership among students with diverse cultural backgrounds and disabilities.
Forty student delegates, selected through a competitive process, engage in team building, advocacy and leadership exercises during the four-day program. Delegates must be 16 years of age or older and have at least one more year of school to complete.
Forum delegates are also able to experience a taste of independent college living, participate in social interaction and are provided accommodations as needed such as personal care assistants, interpreters, large print or braille. The forum also has a nurse on duty 24/7 for the entirety of the forum to assist with any medical needs that may arise.
The model is designed to provide opportunities for self-discovery, development of self-advocacy, decision making and problem-solving skills, all of which maximize their leadership potential. At the end of the forum, they develop personalized goals towards their education, independent living, and careers.
“The Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum offers a welcoming and challenging environment that fosters leadership qualities in high school students with disabilities,” Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “Support from Aging and Disability Services demonstrates a commitment to empowering youth with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to pursue independent lives and careers.”
"This milestone not only marks the Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum’s longevity but also highlights its significant impact on fostering leadership among students with diverse cultural backgrounds and disabilities,” Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said. “By providing essential leadership training, fostering independence, and encouraging personal growth, the forum has equipped its delegates with the skills and confidence needed to excel. As proud sponsors, we celebrate this remarkable achievement and the continued positive impact it has on our community.”
“DDS is proud to support the Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum as it celebrates 25 years of empowering young leaders.” Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Jordan Scheff said. “This forum is a supportive environment where students with disabilities can explore their full potential, harness their unique skills, and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. By investing in these future leaders, we are committed to fostering an inclusive society that values and uplifts every individual.”
"The Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum exemplifies the impact that inclusive programs can have on young people. By focusing on leadership skills, self-advocacy, and personal development, CTYLF provides these students with the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of life, “said Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Nancy Navaretta. “This initiative not only builds confidence and independence but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. We are honored to support CTYLF's mission and celebrate its 25 years of empowering youth to reach their full potential."
“It has been my honor and pride to provide opportunity for 25 years to bring together a diverse population of High School Students with disAbilities in an educational and interactive forum,” said John Gentile, Founder and President if the Connecticut Youth Leadership Project. “if we can make a difference in the life of even one individual with a disability it makes the entire effort worthwhile.”
Over its twenty-five-year history, CTYLF has empowered approximately 800 students, enhancing their potential to contribute positively to their schools and communities, Many of these delegates have returned as staff to pass along first-hand knowledge of what they have learned at the forum, and how it continued to affect their path in life.
Past delegates had much to say about their experiences:
John Paul Cross, 2005 Delegate - "It gave me the resources to help me advocate for myself. Now I am a staff member and I enjoy helping out every year."
Kasi Kelly, 2003 Delegate; 2006 Staff Counselor - In July of 2003 I attended the CT Youth Leadership Forum held at UCONN. It was my first time ever doing something like this and I had no idea of what to expect. Little did I know that I would be learning a great deal, making lifetime friends and having fun all in just four days. The most important thing I learned from the experience is that no one can tell me that I won’t succeed in what I want in life and that good leaders don’t have to be outgoing. In order to succeed in what I want out of life I need to speak up and stand my ground for what I believe is right and never give up. The knowledge I gained helped me better to understand my rights when entering college. It also has helped me to not give up in the challenging course I have taken. I am sure I will continue to use this knowledge the rest of my life.
Honestly, I learned more leadership skills as a counselor and those skills have helped me to grow into my leadership role which I have now. Delegate skills helped me with college but counselor skills help with life.
Matthew P. Cavedon, Delegate, 2006 - CTYLF was my chance to see how we do it: how young disabled people can actually thrive in our own setting. No parents, no teachers, no therapists - just us, older folks with disabilities, and caregivers. We weren't the special people in need of accommodation. We were the norm, and we figured out how to connect and have fun on our own.
CTYLF showed me what college dorm life would be like, when I was in charge of my own schedule and caregiving. It showed me how the modern disability rights movement began and grew (as Crip Camp has taught so many people). It did not teach me independence, but interdependence - the ways we can be our best selves when we watch out for each other.
Now, I'm a teacher looking out for disabled students' needs. The perspective and confidence I learned at CTYLF remain powerful lessons for me today, and hopefully through me, for others who can look up to me.
Andre J DeNunzio, Delegate 2016 - What YLF meant to me was, it taught me about teamwork and trust.
Matthew Olzesewski, Delegate, 2019 - My experience as a former delegate in YLF was filled with fun and enthusiasm. During my time, this program further expanded my job experience as I have gotten to fold and organize files. I got to meet people much like me and learned to be more social in life thanks to the people in YLF. This was one of the perfect places to go out of my comfort zone and get more involved.
For more information visit www.ctylp.org.