Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit
The Statewide Independent Living Council is gearing up for the Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit, July 25 - 28, 2010 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Young people with disabilities have more opportunities and more challenges than at any other time in our nation's history. This Summit will empower young leaders to learn from each other and from successful adults with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models.
What is the Summit about?
- Learn about independent living philosophy
- Attend sessions on the legislative process
- Meet other young people with disabilities
- Experience life on a college campus
- Create a plan for your future goals
- Enjoy music and dancing at nightly functions
"I have never seen so many people with different disabilities come together and have fun. It made me feel normal. The only bad part about it was having to go home."
~Meredith Hill, Oak Park
"The Summit gives you a chance to find friends that may have other issues and it is good to bounce ideas off each other. It was a good experience and I can't wait to come back next year."
~Steven Wang, Rockton
Apply Today!
Youth who wish to apply should have a disability, be between the ages of 17-24, live in Illinois and have a strong desire to learn and grow as a leader. The Summit is free including travel to and from the event, lodging, meals and any personal care attendant services/interpreters that may be needed.
- Youth Application PDF Format
- Youth Application MS Word Format
Adult mentor applicants should be individuals who can offer the youth participants guidance throughout the Summit. Mentors are typically adults with disabilities, however non-disabled applicants sometimes attend the Summit as helpers.
- Mentor Application PDF Format
- Mentor Application MS Word Format
Presenters are needed for workshop sessions at the Summit. The Summit Planning Committee is particularly interested in presentations that incorporate various forms of learning so that all participants are included. Interactive presentations that are activity based are strongly encouraged.
- Call for Proposals PDF Format
- Call for Proposals MS Word Format
About the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
The Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit takes place on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus. The setting gives participants a taste of what life is like on a college campus.
Why is the Summit held at UIUC?
UIUC is #1 rated as one of the most "disability friendly" U.S. campuses and was the first to provide students with disabilities access to all university services, curricula, and facilities. The University also developed the first architectural accessibility standards, designed & instituted a wheelchair-accessible bus system and was the first to offer comprehensive wheelchair sports programming. UIUC also developed the first transitional living program for students with physical disabilities needing personal assistant support services. Students with physical disabilities who require personal assistant support services have an 87 percent graduation rate; nearly 60 percent obtain employment within a year of graduation, while another 32 percent enroll in graduate or professional schools.
Find your local Center for Independent Living - Search by county at INCIL.org
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