About Me Activityfor Youth with Disabilities
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This page provides information on all the statewide programs WI has to offer youth with disabilities in one convenient place.
If you want to work on your leadership skills, plan for the future or learn to speak up for yourself, this is the place for you. The most important step to being a leader is getting involved!
Statewide Opportunities
WI Community on Transition
Transition leaders from across the state get together 3 times a year to talk about how to make things better for youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group welcomes youth at the meetings so you can share your experiences to make things easier for other youth with disabilities.
How can you participate? Attend a meeting or give your ideas to a youth who can share them with the group if you can’t go. Join the Youth Development and Leadership, Health, Families, Postsecondary or Data Practice Groups, which typically meet by phone. Meeting times are based on what works for the members.
For more info on Community on Transition, contact Linda Maitrejean lindam@cesa11.k12.wi.us
For more info on practice groups please contact group facilitators:
Youth Development & Leadership: Cheryl Schiltz cheryls@ilcw.org
Parents & Families: Sherry Gundlach sgundlac@cesa6.k12.wi.us
Health: Amy Whitehead amy.whitehead@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Post Secondary Education: Elizabeth Watson Watsone@uww.edu or Sandy Hall sghall@matcmadison.edu
Data: Mary Kampa maryk@cesa11.k12.wi.us
Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
The YLF is a week long leadership training program for high school students with disabilities who are motivated and active in their schools and communities. Sharpen your leadership skills and become a recognized leader in our state.
How can you participate? Apply! Check with your school for an application, or apply online here! (The YLF is a competitive process.)
For more information, contact contact Joe Mielczarek at (715) 573-2671 or at mielczarj@yahoo.com.
Statewide Youth Speakers Bureau
This is a list of youth from all over Wisconsin who are interested in speaking at a variety of events like conferences, meetings, and college classes about your experiences as a youth or young adult with a disability.
How can you participate? Sign up and tell your story!
For more information, contact the WI Youth First group atwiyouthfirst@gmail.com or apply online!
A Gathering of Youth Conference
A conference just for you! A Gathering of Youth runs alongside the Circles of Life main conference with one major difference - only youth are allowed to attend these sessions. The conference is planned by youth, for youth.
How can you participate? Attend the conference or join the planning committee. All planning is done over the phone so youth from anywhere in the state can participate.
For more info, contact Kirsten Engel at (608) 242-8484 or kirstene@accesstoind.org or check out the website www.wfv.org/circle/.
Return to TopYiPPE! Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment
An opportunity for youth, ages 15 to 20, and their parents to talk about and plan for what comes after high school over 5 weekends. You’ll do hands on, fun activities to help you prepare for life after high school while your parents hear from speakers from all over the state. You’ll also get to do fun stuff like go to a water park, and make cool friends. New sessions start in the fall of each year.
How can you participate? Ask for more information, tell your parents and sign up! Brochures are available at: www.dpi.wi.gov/sped/par_partn.html.
For more information, contact Jenny Neugart at (608) 266-8778 or jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov.
Peer Power
Peer Power helps you become better prepared to transition to adult life by giving you an opportunity to meet other youth who are going through the same things you are. By sharing knowledge, skills and support a Peer Power group gives you the time you need to absorb information and to practice skills so you can use the information to plan for your future, all with the help of your peers. Peer Power gives you an opportunity to develop a sense of personal power by allowing you to express yourself and talk about your ideas and goals.
How can you participate? Join a Peer Power group in your area or become a mentor for other youth.
For more information, contact Cheryl Schiltz at (608) 256-9257 or toll free at (866) 656-4010, or cheryls@ilcw.org, or check out the website at http://www.il-wisconsin.net/peerpower/ and find us on Facebook!