Kemal Onor YAC Summit Presenter 5/30/19

In collaboration with several state agencies and community partners, VocRehab initiated a Youth Advocacy Council in the Fall of 2018. The group is comprised of youth and young adults with differing abilities, ages 14 to 26, who expressed interest in participating in both leadership training and opportunities to impact how Vermont prepares students with disabilities for life after high school. Members connect with other students in Vermont, advocate for youth resources, and lead while providing community service. Over the last year, the Council focused on four areas of greatest importance to them at this time: Employment/Careers, Self-Advocacy, Bullying/Harassment, and Transition to Adulthood. Through support from the Youth Advocacy Steering Committee, the Council planned a Youth Summit for May 30th, 2019 at Vermont Technical College. This event brought together youth and young adults from across the state to discuss issues most relevant to them and learn about how they can empower themselves in all aspects of their educational, social, and career experiences.

Youth Advocacy Council Partners

• Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation

• Vermont Family Network

• Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

• Green Mountain Self Advocates

• Vermont Center for Independent Living

• Vermont Department of Labor

• Vermont Agency of Education

• Vermont Department of Health

• Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

• Vermont Department of Mental Health

For additional information, please contact Tara Howe, (802)241-0323, tara.howe@vermont.gov.