Access to mentoring opportunities and positive role models is an important strategy for empowering youth with disabilities to achieve their human rights and full potential. Too often, youth with disabilities accept the exclusion and discrimination they face because they have not adopted a rights-bearing attitude.
Without role models and information about living with their disabilities, youth with disabilities lack the knowledge, skills and tools to improve their lives and communities. If they have not witnessed examples of what is possible, they may have difficulty imagining a different situation. Youth with disabilities who might have been interested in working for change may never have the opportunity to develop the leadership and advocacy skills necessary to create change. Providing mentoring and examples of role models with disabilities can break down preconceived notions for what is possible, challenge stereotypes and change community perceptions. This task force is chaired by the the CEO of Mobility International USA (MIUSA) Susan Sygall and co-chaired by Genelle C. Thomas, National Center Director for Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD). Concept note |
NEW PUBLICATION! Global Mapping Exercise and Needs Assessment Report (PDF) Summary 2 pages with infographic |