Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Eckert 217/744-7777 v/tty
Springfield, Illinois: July 26^th - 28^th, 1999

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In late July, forty-three young Illinoisans with disabilities from Chicago to Mount Vernon gathered in the state capitol to attend a historic event in the making. This event was the first-ever, Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit sponsored by the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Illinois and other disability rights organizations. When preparing the three-year State Plan for Independent Living, members of the SILC of Illinois agreed that the development of young leaders with disabilities was imperative to the continued success of the independent living movement.

For three days, the young leaders (ages 14-21), with varying types of disabilities and cultures, had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops to develop their leadership skills, learn about the legislative process and become familiar with laws affecting people with disabilities. In addition, Center for Independent Living staff and the SILC of Illinois members-- many of whom are persons with disabilities-- acted as "Mentors" to the young leaders. Besides the workshops, there were many opportunities for the young leaders to discuss the disability rights movement, and independent living philosophy with the mentors and their fellow participants.

One of the highlights of the Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit involved a march-- complete with hand-made posters and a "bull horn"-- celebrating the 9^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The march began from the hotel to Springfield's Union park where the Mayor's office read a proclamation celebrating July 27^th, 1999 as "Youth and the ADA Awareness Day." In addition, representatives from the offices of the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and several local legislators gave brief remarks recognizing the young leaders and the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Due to the enormous success of this first-ever event, planning has already begun for next year's Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit. The Summit will be held July 17, 18, 19, 2000.

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