The SPAN Youth Hub

Stay Up to Date with All Thing Youth MOVE - Subscribe to Their Newsletter Youth MOVE National is a group led by young people, for young people. We’re all about improving systems like mental health care, schools, foster care, and juvenile justice, especially for youth who’ve been through tough times. MOVE stands for Motivating Others through Voices of Experience, and that’s what we do: speak up, share our stories, and push for real change.  We believe youth, especially underserved communities often left out, deserve to be heard, respected, and included in the decisions that impact their lives. Through leadership, peer support, and advocacy, we’re making sure youth voices lead the way.    Through My Reality, by Paige Martin (she/they)   Read a personal story about Paige's experience with psychosis while in college. Paige talks about feeling scared, confused, and alone, and how one small act of kindness from a counselor made them feel seen and cared for. With support ...

Summer is a great time to spend more time with friends and even make new ones. Without school, homework, and busy schedules, you have more freedom to hang out and do fun things together. You could go to the beach, have a picnic in the park, or just sit outside on a warm evening talking and laughing. The long days and warm weather make it easier to enjoy each other’s company and grow closer as friends.

Cooking may seem like a simple task, but for many people with disabilities, it presents challenges that extend beyond choosing a recipe. Inaccessible kitchens and hard-to-use tools can make meal preparation overwhelming. Yet cooking is more than a practical skill—it fosters independence, creativity, and confidence. By making it accessible, we not only ensure nutritious meals but also the joy of creating something from scratch.

Getting around town shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming puzzle—especially for youth and young adults with disabilities. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or just out to meet friends, public transportation can be a powerful tool for independence and freedom. But like anything new, learning to use buses, trains, or paratransit services can take time, patience, and practice.

What does it mean to identify as disabled? For many youth and young adults, that question isn’t always easy to answer. Disability identity is deeply personal—and it can take time to understand where you fit in. Some people grow up knowing they’re disabled, while others don’t discover or embrace that part of themselves until later in life.

Starting your day with a clear routine can make all the difference. Whether you're juggling school, work, or personal goals, having a plan helps you stay focused and reduce stress.