SLIDE 1:

Alt text: Conference Logo: Black sans serif text says, “BACK TO THE FUTURE”. To the right, digital font in bright, bold orange says, “2024”. Underneath, [NCIL Logo: National Council on Independent Living] Annual Conference on Independent Living.

2024 Annual Conference on Independent Living
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living

SLIDE 2:
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL YOUTH PROGRAM

July 23rd, 2024

Leah Velasco and Mayra Colazo 


SLIDE 3: 
Background of Youth Transition Program

Center for Independence (CFI)

Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR)


SLIDE 4: Program Development
Building from the ground up
Youth led/disability peer led is ideal
Curriculum https://www.cctstfolio.com/#/ 
Identify potential community partners
CFI's program
CWDR's program


SLIDE 5: Outreach
Marketing materials
Building relationships in the community
Building connections with the schools
Reaching underserved populations
Reaching people with different disabilities


SLIDE 6: Engagement
Building relationships with youth
Seeking input from participants
Creating a welcoming and safe space
Creating leadership opportunities
Youth activities and icebreakers


SLIDE 7: Emphasizing IL Philosophy
Self-determination
Participant driven
Empowerment- self-advocacy
Informing youth to make their own decisions
Peer model
Sign Consent/Release of Information


SLIDE 8: Outcomes
Success stories

Testimonial:
Zoey Majors (They/Them), current Board Chair for Central Washington Disability Resources, former youth participant 


SLIDE 9: Collaboration 

Collaborating with other CILs in your state
Utilizing resources for support
Collaborating with other organizations


SLIDE 10: Staff Training
DEIA training
Youth Conferences 
De-escalation training
Mental Health training


SLIDE 11: Funding and Increasing Capacity
ACL, Part B or C
Foundation grants
Fee-for-service
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation IL services
Pre-Employment Transition Services


SLIDE 12: How are you serving youth?

What has been successful?
What challenges have come up?
What are your visions for a youth program?


SLIDE 13: Questions??
Image Description:
A group of youth with visible and invisible disabilities posing for a photo in front of the University of Washington fountain.


SLIDE 14: Contact Information

Leah Velasco She/Her
Executive Director
Center for Independence
Leahv@cfisouth.org
253-582-1253, ext. 101
www.cfi-wa.org 

Mayra Colazo She/Her
Executive Director
Central Washington Disability Resources
Mayra@mycwdr.org
509-962-9620
Mycwdr.org