Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) for Students and Young Adults Who Have Disabilities, Who Are Experiencing Transition to Adulthood

Facilitated by Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council and Diverse Ability Incorporated, Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) is an innovative conference for youth who have disabilities, as they prepare for and experience transition to adulthood. Designed to foster personal growth through self-discovery, AZYLF provides experiential learning opportunities to assist each individual as they identify and embrace their strengths and gifts, in conjunction with planning for their future.

AZYLF brings together youth who have disabilities from across Arizona, for a 5-day experience that focuses on self-discovery, leadership development, career exploration, effective advocacy, and empowers through heightened awareness of disability history and culture. Youth who have disabilities, referred to as Delegates, who demonstrate leadership potential, an interest in embracing and enhancing their lives, and who wish to interact effectively with other youth and elders are a great fit for AZYLF. There is a place at AZYLF for any eligible youth or young adult who wishes to learn, grow, and contribute to the experience. Accommodations are available to maximize access for all, and efforts are made to recruit youth who represent diversity in all aspects, which is essential to the dynamic process of AZYLF. Everyone has something to offer, and AZYLF encourages youth to identify and take pride in who they are as a person, and how they choose to establish themselves in the world.

Through Person Centered Planning, Delegates are assisted in developing a Personal Leadership Plan which includes specific action items, as they return to their home communities. Delegates become a voice for their peers as they serve to inform the Arizona State Plan for Independent Living. Delegates are assigned a mentor for on-going support for one year after AZYLF, and are offered continued connection through joining the thriving AZYLF Alumni Association, following graduation.

Participation for Delegates is free of charge. Actual costs are calculated at $1500 per Delegate, which does not include in-kind goods and services donated by volunteers and supporters. Arizona Youth Leadership Forum will be held in multiple Arizona locations in 2019, as we move toward building statewide capacity by implementing regional Youth Leadership Forums!

Testimonials

I learned that having a disability is a vital part of my life, but I can't let it control who I am. Leadership and self-advocacy are two of many things that must be used to take charge of my own life so I can be independent. I've learned to be proud of my disability and I've learned when I go home and back to school, I can finally fully explain to people what having a disability really means: 'I have a disability. I have a challenge in my life; an obstacle that will never go away, but I must embrace it and tell everyone that I'm not 'hearing impaired,' rather that I have a disability, but it doesn't have me." A.P., AZYLF Class of 2014

"This made me feel like a different person that I never felt like before. I actually chose to be here, to have a great time with the friends I made here. I want to thank the staff for telling me that I'm a great kid. All the people here have big hearts and the kids here made me happy. The greatest lesson I learned is that we all have disabilities." D.W., AZYLF Class of 2014

"I learned how to calm myself down from getting stress, and about cyberbullies." D.L., AZYLF Class of 2015

"I learned how to stand up for myself. How to do public speaking. How to advocate. How to be more social. How to dance!!" S.L., AZYLF Class of 2015

"Don't be afraid to ask for help. Never be an outcast. Making friends is not impossible. Accept compliments. Have a sense of humor."  J.B., Class of 2016

"Showing people I can be a good leader. Passion, being grateful for what you're doing and what it represents. Also, showing all peers I can do what others can do, and most importantly, you're never alone. You always have supporters right behind you. You could end up being a role model for young ones and you don't even know it. Thanks to AZYLF I now have all these skills to show others and hopefully surprise them." S.C., Class of 2016

"I would like to thank you for doing what you do, I cannot thank you enough for this experience for my daughter. She had a great time, learned new things, made some new friends, and went to amazing places. These past days will forever stay with her and be in her heart for the rest of her life. I wish there were more wonderful people like you, and all your staff. She loves her mentor, and this will be a great resource for her." M. C., AZYLF 2016 Parent

"Thank you for everything you and your organization have provided, the love and new friendship my son has gained in one week. My son returned as a mature young man with visual dreams/timeline. He announced to his sister and I to support him throughout the year...