ACIL will host the 2024 Dayton Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) next month. If a high school student with a disability that you know wants to be a part of it, move quickly. The application deadline is fast approaching.
The 2024 Dayton YLF is one of six in-person, week-long, trainings geared toward high school age youth with disabilities statewide. Each forum is sponsored by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and hosted by a Center for Independent Living during the summer. ACIL has hosted Dayton’s YLF since it was initially offered in 2020. The deadline to apply to be a part of the 2024 Dayton YLF is June 28th at 5p.m.
The theme of YLF this year is “Students today, Leaders tomorrow.” ACIL staff chose this theme with the hope of helping students to see that, with the proper skills, they are more than capable of becoming leaders.
Students will be exposed to a variety of subject matter experts at YLF. An expert in assistive technology from Wright State University will show students different types of assistive technology that may help them. Someone from the Social Security Administration will review Social Security benefits with students. Former Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023 plans to speak to students about navigating post high school life in the community with a disability. ACIL is also very proud that Jeffrey Mims, Mayor of Dayton, plans to come to YLF to speak to students about what it takes to be a leader. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the importance of its 34th anniversary will also be talked about with students at Dayton YLF.
ACIL tries to make Dayton YLF as stress-free as possible. Breaks are built into the schedule throughout each day. Staff also make sure that students know they can take additional breaks if needed. Several ice breakers are used throughout the week to help students become comfortable with each other. Students will also have a chance to participate in a variety of activities such as creating vision boards depicting what they think leadership is and developing a plan that lays out their future goals.
In the past, the opportunity to participate in a YLF was offered exclusively to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities receiving services through OOD. As of this year, all high school students with disabilities with a counselor through OOD can participate in YLF. Students must apply and go through an interview process to ensure that any needs they have can be accommodated before being accepted to attend a YLF. If a high school student you know wants to be a part of Dayton YLF but is not involved with OOD, do not worry. ACIL can connect students and their support system to an OOD counselor very quickly and it would only require two additional pages of paperwork.
It is very important for students to list any accommodations they may need during Dayton YLF, such as someone to assist them with restroom breaks or the use of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter on their application. Making ACIL aware of such needs will ensure the staff have enough notice to accommodate them. It is important for students and their families to know that ACIL cannot provide transportation to and from YLF. Transportation is something each student and his or her support system must work out.
If enough applications are received, Dayton YLF will take place July 22nd-26th from 11a.m. to 4p.m. in the Suzy Bassani Theater of the Dayton Public Library. If only a small number of applications are received, Dayton YLF will likely be moved from the library to the Access Center office at 165 East Helena Street Dayton, Ohio 45404. Students accepted into the 2024 Dayton YLF will be given notice at least two weeks prior to the start of YLF if the location changes. Applications for the 2024 Dayton YLF will be accepted until June 28th at 5p.m.
If you have questions about the 2024 Dayton YLF or would like the application materials to be sent to you, contact Tonya at 937-341-5202 Ext 108 or [email protected]
