WHAT IS THE YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM?

YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Through services to youth, their families, schools, and community agencies, the IVCIL Youth Advocacy Program hopes to:

• educate youth with disabilities and their families about their educational rights,
• provide increased opportunities for youth with disabilities to develop independent living skills that promote and foster independence and self advocacy,
• increase successful youth transitions from school to independent living,
• help build partnerships between students, parents, educators, employers, and community organizations, and
• provide systems advocacy that increases educational, recreational, social, and employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.

YOUTH SERVICES are available at no cost to children / youth with disabilities 0-21 years of age and their families who reside in LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties. School districts, agencies, businesses and community groups are eligible for services.

Services Include:

• information, linkage and referral,
• support groups,
• peer counseling,
• educational advocacy,
• workshops, trainings and meetings,
• support for systems change,
• assistance with transition planning,
• inclusion into community recreation,
• skills training for independent living,
• disability awareness training, and
• technical assistance for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its amendments.

Anyone wishing to receive more information about the Youth Advocacy Program may contact the Youth Advocate at the IVCIL.