Project Description:
Youths 4 Advocacy (Y4A)
The purpose of Y4A is to improve the odds for youths to make a successful transition to their community. We will achieve this through collaboration with students, school personnel, family members, and community members. Y4A provides an opportunity for students to practice self-advocacy tools through realistic scenarios and other practical activities, working with peer leaders, and identifying and accessing resources. Information for parents, school personnel, and community members is disseminated. Y4A is funded by the US Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The Y4A team partners with students, teachers, parents, and community members to design a project that meets their needs. A4A uses a "rehearsal for life" approach. Students practice leadership tools by enacting real-life situations and participating in a range of interesting activities. Y4A uses the Speak Up! Action Manual for Peer Leader Teams, created through Acting for Advocacy, a previous ADD funded Project of National Significance developed by Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility). This hands-on approach has been used successfully to address such topics as: Knowing Yourself, Communicating, Problem-solving Steps, and Rights and Responsibilities. Students in the Occupational Course of Study will participate in leadership development activities, gaining valuable experience themselves to pass on to others. Access to information and referral is available through www.self-advocate.org. Twelve state-level youth-serving agencies will collaborate.
Keyword(s):
transition, self-advocacy, self-determination, mentor, interactive training
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, Mulit-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
