Back to School! Empowering Youth with Disabilities

Unleashing leadership potential

Last month, the disAbility Resource Center in Fredericksburg hosted their Rappahannock Area Youth Leadership Circle. This dynamic program is designed to nurture and amplify the talents of young individuals with disabilities, fostering leadership skills, promoting self-advocacy, and instilling the significance of teamwork.

Ten youth delegates participated in a week-long program that included lessons on the history of the disability rights movement, teambuilding exercises and peer presentations on self-advocacy. They also learned about the legislative process, identified policy concerns and crafted their own presentations to advocate for changes to address those concerns. The week culminated in a trip to City Hall where participants met with local elected officials to keep building their networks and talk about issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities.

The delegates will continue to meet twice a month, working to use the skills they've learned to affect positive change. They'll also continue working together to foster a mindset that believes in people's abilities, celebrates differences, and envisions a world where every voice is valued, lighting the way for a more inclusive and promising tomorrow.

Tools for school and beyond

Disability Rights & Resource Center promotes empowerment and independence. One focus of its core transition services is to instill these attributes in students as they complete school.

Mrs. Williams, parent to consumer Khaya, reached out for help as her daughter graduates high school and prepares for life. Khaya needed a laptop to assist with college applications and online classes she plans to take in the fall as well for strengthening life skills such as budgeting and job hunting.

DRRC previously worked with Khaya supporting her in transition meetings as advocates as well as providing assistive technology and referral services so they were proud to see the continued progress. Khaya stated she was most excited to use her laptop for all things research – she was eager to find a summer job, complete college essays and listen to music in her downtime. 

Special Education Advisory Committees

Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living has been making an impact helping parents become involved with local Special Education Advisory Committees (SEAC). SEACS provide opportunities for parents and others to have a voice on ways schools provide services to students with disabilities.

Community advisor Heather Dooley serves on the Lynchburg City Schools' SEAC.