Youth with disabilities foster leadership and advocacy skills at a statewide forum
CLINTON, S.C. (July 16, 2024) – Dozens of youth with disabilities from across the state gather next week at Presbyterian College to develop leadership and advocacy skills with the SC Youth Leadership Forum.
Hosted by Able South Carolina (Able SC), the SC Youth Leadership Forum (SCYLF) is a four-day, three-night leadership intensive experience open to high schoolers and those who recently completed high school, with any type of disability. During the forum, through several different breakout sessions and interactive events, delegates will learn independent living skills, advocacy, employment, and disability pride.
“We believe that youth with disabilities deserve to guide their own lives with their own choices at the center, and the annual Youth Leadership forum gives them a place to learn and practice those key skills of self-advocacy,” said Troy Hall, Director of Youth Transition Programs with Able SC, “Here they can go further and build new social networks, develop a sense of pride, and learn how to become leaders in their community.”
The 2024 event will host speakers ranging from those famous for their disability advocacy, and those dedicated to local grassroots advocacy, to former SCYLF delegates who’ve used the skills they learned as a youth and applied them to their personal advocacy and professional career.
The SC Youth Leadership Forum seeks to equip young people with disabilities with the tools they need to become leaders. By spending four days in an intensive setting, these youth will receive the education they need to accomplish their leadership goals and leave with memories that will impact their values for years to come.
Hosted by Able SC, the SC Youth Leadership Forum is made possible by our many funders, sponsors, and partners. We thank the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, Abacus Planning Group, Inc., Greentech Renewables, McGuire Woods Consulting, Gregory Electric Company, Inc., the Disability EmpowHer Network, and the Spinx Family Foundation for their support that makes SCYLF possible. We honor AccessAbility and Walton Options for Independent Living for their continued partnership.
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