 Ohio juniors and seniors with disabilities participate in the 2022 Youth Leadership Forums held regionally across the state.
Between June and August 2022, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), in conjunction with the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) and Centers for Independent Living, hosted five Youth Leadership Forums (YLF) for nearly 50 students in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, and Canton.
YLF is a five-day career leadership program for 11th and 12th graders with disabilities, designed to help them learn about choosing a career, identify available resources and assistive technology, and interact with professionals with disabilities who serve as mentors and role models. Students develop a personal leadership plan that includes specific action steps to follow in their communities.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine encouraged students through a personal video. He said, “Put your very best into developing your personal leadership plan, which will include specific ways for you to act on issues that are important to you and help you reach your goals.”
OOD Director Kevin L. Miller addressed the students as well: “This is an exciting time, and you must get involved in self-advocacy. Others have paved the way for you, and now you need to make a difference for those that will follow you.”
Brett Harbage, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for the Ohio Secretary of State, was a guest at the YLFs. He educated students on how to register to vote and shared information on available accommodations. “Voting is your right,” Brett explained. “It’s the biggest way you can impact change for those with disabilities.”
Coordinated by the Center for Disability Empowerment and the Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living, the Columbus YLF began on June 13, 2022 at The Ohio State University. Dr. Bill Bauer, one of the founders of the first YLF in Ohio, shared how he was bullied because of his hearing disability and how his mother’s support impacted his life. Dr. Bauer said, “I’m very proud to be here today to empower you.” The students toured the Ohio Statehouse and learned how to speak with legislators. Other highlights included a discussion of "Crip Camp,” a 2020 film about the journey of a group of young people with disabilities to activism and adulthood.
The Cleveland YLF was coordinated by Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP). Case Western Reserve University hosted the event and joined with several area colleges, including Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland State University, and Lorain County Community College, in a presentation on college considerations and services available to support students with disabilities. Author and motivational speaker Scott Fedor (featured in the OOD Works Podcast, episode six) spoke to the students about self-advocacy, and Senator Nickie Antonio discussed the importance of bringing about positive change where they live.
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo organized the Toledo YLF held at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Toledo YLF featured presentations by Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, who spoke to the students about the importance of youth in leadership. Toledo City Councilwoman Katie Moline took students on a tour of One Government Center and talked to them about how to contribute to the community.
Students at Dayton’s YLF heard from Dr. Julie Williams, a psychologist and professor at Wright State University, who talked about being a leader in a diverse world. Students were inspired by a presentation on the history of the Independent Living Movement by former Cincinnati City Councilmember Kevin Flynn. The Dayton YLF was held at the Dayton Metro Library and coordinated by the Access Center for Independent Living and the Center for Independent Living Options.
Barbara Butler, Independent Living Specialist and Youth Transition Coordinator with The Access Center, said, “Most students knew nothing about disability rights history, and this presentation truly opened their eyes.”
“I benefitted from YLF by seeing everyone else’s perspective,” said student Dillion Rosenlieb. “I especially took to heart Kevin Flynn’s advice that you learn more from your failures than your successes and the advice he offered about going to college. There is nothing I would like to do more.”
Held at the Stark County Educational Service Center, the Canton YLF, hosted by the Tri-County Independent Living Center, featured presenters who spoke to students about what they can do to lead others. State Representative Thomas E. West also addressed students on the principles of leadership and citizenship. A question-and-answer session with a panel of past participants and OOD Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Tom Lash highlighted the positive impact of YLF.
“For years, YLF in Ohio has been a way for students to become more connected to leadership and the history of the disability rights movement,” said Jeremy Morris, Executive Director of OSILC. “Hosting the regional YLF events in person this year allowed students to build peer relationships, learn from leaders in the disability community, and understand how they can use their leadership skills in future employment,” he added.
“I wanted to participate in the YLF because I'm a firm believer that everyone has the power to change society,” said student Eric Hayes. “I want to make Ohio better for others who have a disability and myself, and YLF gave me the tools to do it. Thanks to YLF, I think I have a bright and shining future ahead.”
If you have a child 14 years of age or older with a disability, reach out to OOD for more information on how we can help your child with career exploration, skill development, and strategies to get a job after graduation by visiting the OOD Students 14+ webpage.
OOD offers Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C) at 17 colleges and universities to ensure college students with disabilities have the support they need to complete their degree and/or credential, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market.
Dedicated Ohio C2C counselors assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation, and job placement.
OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors also work with students with disabilities at any college and university in Ohio. To get started, students can visit OODWorks.com to explore vocational rehabilitation, take a self-assessment, and apply for services.
For more information about Ohio C2C, visit the webpage, or contact Kristin Garrett at (614) 955-1527 or Kristin.Garrett@OOD.Ohio.Gov.
The ReelAbilities Film Festival: Cleveland and Akron will take place from August 26, 2022 through the end of October 2022. This event is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities.
Through a collaboration of local organizations and community volunteers, the Festival will showcase films and discussions throughout Northeast Ohio. Events are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Cleveland and Akron webpage.
August 21 is World Senior Citizen’s Day. OOD’s Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program promotes independence and self-sufficiency for qualifying Ohio citizens, 55 and older, with visual disabilities. For more information, visit our website and/or watch a video.
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