Leadership forum for students with disabilities
The Governor’s Council on Disability’s seventh annual Missouri Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (MYLF) was held July 26-29 at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
MYLF is the only statewide leadership forum for high school students, ages 16-21, who have a disability. The 23 youth delegates were selected through a statewide competition.
The delegates learned about career development and leadership skills that provide a successful transition into post secondary education/employment. The program is designed to help them become positive role models for others in their schools and communities.
Among the topics addressed at MYLF were the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities and interacting with local human resource professionals about resume writing, social networking and interviewing skills.
Youth delegates had the opportunity to interact with mentors and staff with disabilities who are successful adults despite their challenges.
As part of the legislative advocacy training, delegates participated in a mock legislative session at the State Capitol in Jefferson City with Rep. Jeff Grisamore, R- Lee’s Summit and Kelly Schultz, legislative staff person for Rep. Sara Lampe, D-Springfield. Students also received a surprise visit from Gov. Jay Nixon.
For more information, photos and videos about the forum, go to http://www.disabilityinfo.mo.gov/gcd/2009ylf.shtml.
To nominate a student from your local community for the 2010 MYLF, contact the Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability, PO Box 1668, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
