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Rising Voices: Young Advocates with Disabilities Inspiring Their Communities

Young adults with disabilities are making a difference in schools, workplaces, and communities every day. Through their own leadership, creativity, and determination, they are speaking up about important issues and helping create more inclusive environments for everyone. Their voices and experiences continue to inspire positive change.  

Activating Together: Youth Leaders' Journey to Inclusive Change

  

These youth are showing that leadership can look different for every person. Some lead through public speaking and advocacy, while others make an impact through art, technology, peer support, or community involvement. No matter the path they choose, these young change-makers are helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered.

The article, “Activating Together: Youth Leaders' Journey to Inclusive Change”, is a feature story from the Special Olympics, that's focused on youth leadership, inclusion, and disability advocacy. It highlights the 2023 Global Youth Leadership Summit, held in Berlin, Germany, where more than 100 young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities from 45 Special Olympics programs around the world came together to promote inclusive change. 

You can read the full article here:

https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/activating-together-youth-leaders-journey-to-inclusive-change




Highlighting the Crucial Role of Youth with Disabilities  

Highlighting these change-makers is important, because their representation matters. When other youth see people with similar experiences succeeding and leading, it can build confidence, encourage self-advocacy, and remind them that their goals are possible. Sharing these stories can also help communities better understand the value of inclusion and accessibility.

This article, from UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), talks about why it is important to include young adults with disabilities in schools, communities, and decision-making. It encourages schools to be more inclusive by providing the right support and materials so all students can learn, while also calling on governments and organizations to work together to support inclusion. 

You can read the entire guide here: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/highlighting-crucial-role-youth-disabilities


What are your thoughts on disability advocates creating change? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below!

The SPAN Youth Chat

On June 3rd, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a presentation related to self-advocacy. More details are to come.




Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.

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