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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2002

Students Make Lasting Impression at 3rd Annual Leadership Forum

Forty-five high school students from across the state came to Tallahassee from July 25 through 28 to learn how to take charge of their own destiny. The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an annual event that teaches students with a wide variety of disabilities how to identify community resources, use those resources to live independently, establish support networks and participate in community life.

During the 5-day forum students attended workshops on self-advocacy, career options and leadership. They met with dignitaries such as the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State Katherine Harris, Representative Ausley, and Senator Mitchell during one-on-one and small group discussions. Social activities, such as a luau dance, talent show and a volunteer service project helped them to network with each other and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

This year's forum coincided with the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26. To mark the occasion, the students participated in a Disability Sensitivity Training, hosted by the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Additionally, students were paired with adults from various career backgrounds during the Mentors Luncheon. The luncheon enabled student delegates to participate in one-on-one discussions with professionals and learn more about various career options and experiences.

Student delegates also received guidance and inspiration from former participants who have returned to serve as Junior Staff for the event. These youth serve as peer mentors, logistical coordinators, and junior facilitators for student home groups. Twenty-two Junior Staff were chose for this year's forum.

The YLF was funded through corporate sponsorships and donations. Special thanks to our major sponsors, including the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida Department of Education, Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program, SunTrust Bank and the Tallahassee Rotary Club. Additionally, The Able Trust would like to thank Big Bend Transit and Sessaly Rose Transit for providing transportation, Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged and the Tallahassee Rotary Club for providing volunteers, Florida Commission on Community Service for providing braille transcription and producing a promotional video, Refreshment Services Pepsi and Peoples First Community Bank for providing food and refreshments.
The fourth annual YLF will take place in July 2003. Applications will be available by September on The Able Trust website at www.abletrust.org.