Following the legislative process workshop came the opening luncheon with keynote speaker, Christy Smith. Many of the Summit sponsors and supporters were present at lunch to hear Christy speak with the youth participants and mentors about the significance of being selected to attend this conference and the importance of them working hard this week and taking back to their communities the leadership skills they have learned at this Summit. Christy related well to the youth participants and not only spoke during lunch but stayed and participated the entire day in the workshops and evening activities.

Monday afternoon was filled with fun interactive workshops such as Independent Living = Jobs and Freedom from Parents; Accommodations: High School versus College and Speak Up…It’s Your Life. Monday ended with an exciting version of Who Wants To Be A Leader. This game taken from Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was a great way to end the long day. Groups competed against each other on their knowledge of disability law.

Following a nice dinner we watched the movie "Door to Door". This true story starring William H. Macy featured a man with Cerebral Palsy who overcame many barriers and became a very successful salesman.

Tuesday, July 26 began with the ongoing session of How A Bill Becomes A Law. During Part 2 of this session draft bills were lobbied on each side and brought before the Governor.

Other workshops on Tuesday included Self Defense for People with Disabilities and Passport to Your Future. Passport to Your Future was the perfect prerequisite to Developing Your Personal Advocacy Plan because participants identified their strengths and qualities for charting a course of action in their lives.

We ended the workshops on Tuesday with Developing Your Personal Advocacy Plan. This is one of the core workshops at the Summit. Individuals set goals and a timeline for achieving their goals for their future.

The Talent Show on Tuesday evening is always a highlight of the Summit. Many people participated in the talent competition demonstrating their singing voices and dancing abilities, not to mention comedy and improv.

Following the Talent Show there was the customary dance. Everyone enjoys this part of the conference because we can all let our hair down and just enjoy the music.

Wednesday, July 27 in the morning gave way to our final workshop titled Transportation Rights for People with Disabilities. This was a very important workshop considering that most of Illinois is rural and there are considerable barriers to transportation in most communities.

The Summit came to an end with a nice lunch and the traditional awards ceremony. Gerard Broeker spoke about the reasons we were here this week and encouraging the youth to take back to their communities what they have learned about advocacy. Certificates of completion were distributed to everyone for their hard work. Prizes were given away and everyone was happy and sad to see the Summit come to an end. The Seventh Annual Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit was, by all considerations, a smashing success.