Youth with Disabilities: Advocacy & Leadership Development

National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN)

NYLN is dedicated to advancing the next generation of disability leaders.

Kids As Self Advocates (KASA)

KASA is a national, grassroots network of youth with disabilities and chronic health conditions, working to spread positive information and raise awareness of various issues. The site includes resources, a discussion forum, and a cafe featuring poetry and artwork.

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth (NCLD-Youth)

NCLD-Youth is a youth-led resource, information, and training center for youth and emerging leaders with developmental disabilities.

NAD (National Association of the Deaf) Youth Leadership Programs

NAD offers several programs to prepare young deaf and hard of hearing Americans to become future leaders and advocates.

Epilepsy Foundation’s Kids Speak Up! Conference

This conference offers an opportunity for young people with epilepsy between the ages of 7 – 16 to come to Washington, D.C. with their families to learn about advocacy and to talk to members of Congress about federal support and funding for research, public education, and services for people with epilepsy.

Virginia Youth Leadership Forum (YLF-VA)

The YLF-VA program seeks to empower young people with disabilities to further develop their leadership skills. Students, serving as Delegates from communities throughout Virginia, participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences during the four day Youth Leadership Forum which takes place at an university campus.

West Virginia Youth Disability Caucus

The WV Youth Disability Caucus is open to youth ages 16-21 with all disabilities.

District of Columbia Youth Empowerment Advocacy Resource Center (YEARC)

The Youth Empowerment Advocacy Resource Center provides District teens and young adults with leadership training and information about employment, housing, education, and transportation.

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF)

MD-YLF seeks to identify high school students with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic success, and community involvement, and provide them with training and experiences, role models, and mentors to assist them in becoming tomorrow's leaders.

Establishing Disability History Awareness Initiatives: A Roadmap for States and Territories

This publication offers strategies and suggestions for mobilizing public support to pass legislation related to disability history awareness initiatives.

Mobility International USA

This organization offers many exchange programs throughout the year in the U.S. and abroad.