Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit

"2001: A Leadership Odyssey"

Final Report
August 10, 2001

The third annual Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit was held on July 23rd through the 25th, 2001 in Springfield, Illinois. Linda Renee' Baker, Associate Director of the Illinois Department of Human Services welcomed the youth participants and gave words of encouragement to start their two and a half day leadership odyssey. Also offering words of welcome were Charlie Martin representing the Office of Rehabilitation Services, Ann Ford, Executive Director of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, and John Eckert, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois.

Following the opening luncheon the 33 young leaders along with 25 mentors began their journey with the beginning of eight (8) workshops with topics dealing with independent living history and philosophy, relationships and sexuality, living on your own, developing you own IEP, and learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Participants also began on developing their "Personal Advocacy Plan" in small groups with their mentors and were encouraged to take that plan back with them to their communities when they went home.

On Tuesday, July 24th Springfield celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a gathering at the Old State Capitol Plaza. The Summit participants, mentors and local advocates marched and chanted along with Attorney General Jim Ryan the two blocks from the hotel to the plaza for the celebration. Attorney General Ryan was presented with a "Spirit of the ADA" award for his dedication to Illinois' disabled community. In addition, Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara gave a proclamation announcing the day as "ADA Awareness Day."

At the celebration, entertainment was provided by Dale Jones, known as the "World's Most Unique Juggler" who entertained the crowd with his one-armed juggling act and Danny "Elvis" Hicks singing to the ladies doing his impersonation of the King of Rock-n-Roll himself. The audience was a happy one with their ice cream, cake, lemonade and lots of water to keep cool at the celebration.

Tuesday had been a hot, busy day but it was far from over. A party complete with dance floor, DJ (a former Summit participant) and karaoke lasted until late in the evening. Everyone danced and sang along with the karaoke machine. The dance is always a favorite part of the Summit. It is great to see so many young adults letting down their guard and really enjoying themselves.

Wednesday was the final day of the Summit. The morning began with breakfast and an interactive workshop on the legislative process. The participants were separated into two groups representing the Illinois House of Representatives and the Senate. Each group was asked to work as a team and develop a budget for the state. Following this exercise everyone walked to the Illinois State Capitol building for a tour.

At the closing luncheon, John Eckert of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois praised the youth participants as well as the mentors on their hard work the past two-and-a-half days. Following a prize give away, the young leaders were encouraged to go back into their communities with a sense of pride for having participated in this empowering leadership odyssey and encouraged them to follow-through with the hard work they had devoted to their Personal Advocacy Plans.

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, and
The Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois.

Additional Financial Support was provided from:

The Illinois Department of Human Services'
Office of Rehabilitation Services, and
Office of Developmental Disabilities,
The State Board of Education, and
The Department of Children and Family Services.

Submitted by: Tara D. Dunning, Summit Project Manager