Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

2002 Youth Summit 

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Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit
"Imagine, Believe, Achieve"

Final Report: August 6, 2002

The fourth annual Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit: "Imagine, Believe, Achieve" was held on July 22^nd through the 24^th, 2002 in Springfield, Illinois. During the opening luncheon, Jonathan Young gave words of praise and encouragement to the youth participants for being selected to attend this empowering Summit. Jonathan welcomed the participants and mentors to the Capitol city and encouraged them to work hard during the Summit. Mr. Young is the former Associate Director of Disability Outreach in the White House office of the public liaison under President Clinton. Jonathan is currently with the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Summit participants  clowning around at the dance.

Following the opening luncheon the 33 youth – along with 20 mentors – began their busy schedule of eight (8) workshops. Of the 33 youth, 11 were returnees from last year’s Summit. Participants and mentors represented a cross disability, culturally diverse group and were from all parts of the state. Sessions began with a plenary workshop on the history of the disability rights movement. Following the first workshop, participants and mentors began one of two workshops to develop a Personal Advocacy Plan. In small groups with their mentors, youth wrote short and long term goals for themselves. On day two the youth participants continued developing their plans and were encouraged to continue their goals when they return to their communities. Other workshops dealt with the world of work, your rights as a student, self defense, and developing healthy relationships. On Monday, after dinner, participants had the opportunity to swim under supervision of lifeguards or play a variety of board games as they got to know one another better.

On Tuesday, July 23^rd Springfield celebrated the 12^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Summit participants gathered with Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, mentors and local advocates for a march to the Old State Capitol Plaza. The Spirit of the ADA Award was presented to Bob Shanle for his tireless efforts in Lincoln and the surrounding communities to make businesses more aware of accessibility issues. The weather was agreeable and great music was provided by local band Jump Street. Everyone enjoyed cake and ice cream and looking at the exhibits from disability organizations and businesses.

Tuesday is always a long and busy day and the participants’ reward for working so hard began after dinner: a dance with karaoke which lasted until late in the evening. Youth and mentors alike enjoyed singing, dancing and letting it all hang out.

Finally, Wednesday arrived with some long faces as they knew they would be going home soon. The morning began with a favorite workshop from last year’s Summit, an interactive workshop on the legislative process presented by Rob Kilbury. Groups were divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives to develop a state budget. This required team work, knowledge of issues and planning for the future. The youth participants really enjoy this hands on session. Following this workshop groups toured the Illinois State Capitol building and the Illinois Assistive Technology Project office.

Dancing the night away!

Springfield's community leaders  come together at the Summit.

When everyone returned from the tours lunch was served. Following lunch John Eckert of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois gave praise to the young leaders as well as the mentors on their hard work during the past two and a half days. John encouraged everyone to continue their Personal Advocacy Plans and to return to their communities with a sense of pride for the hard work they put into writing their goals and to follow through with the issues that are important to them.

The Youth Summit offers various workshop opportunities for participants.

At this time, one by one, each participant was called to the front of the room to be presented with a certificate for having been selected and attending the Leadership Summit. Awards were also presented to each youth for special qualities their mentors recognized in them, such as the "Kool Karaoke Award" for singing your heart out and the "Fish in Water Award" for swimming the night away. There was also the "Cheshire Cat Award" for having a great smile. It was a fun way to recognize everyone and everybody loved it.

Planners felt this was the best Leadership Summit to date and is looking forward to the ongoing support provided by our sponsors, as they begin working on the 5^th Annual Leadership Summit. The next Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit is scheduled for July 14 - 16, 2003.

Sponsors of the Summit included:

• The Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois

• The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

• The Illinois Assistive Technology Project

• The Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois

Additional financial support was provided by:

• The Illinois Department of Human Services’- Office of Rehabilitation Services, and Office of Developmental Disabilities

• The State Board of Education

• The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services