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Partners in Policymaking™

Partners 2010 Chandra and Luz

Partners is a free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities.

Selected Partners will learn about:

  • the State and Federal legislative processes
  • inclusive communities and classrooms
  • proven practices in housing and employment
  • assistive technology
  • strategies for advocates and self-advocates

Click here for a look at what's going on with the Partners 2011-2012 Class.

For an application or more information, contact Ned Andrew Solomon at: ned.solomon@tn.gov, by phone at 615.532.6556, or click here.


Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

ylfgirls2011

The Tennessee Youth Leadership Forum is a free leadership training program for high school students with disabilities.

YLF selected students:

  • spend four days and three nights on a college campus
  • attend presentations on leadership, college resources for students with disabilities, learning to speak up for themselves, self-determination, work readiness, and more
  • participate in small and large group discussions about their lives, their disabilities and their hopes and dreams for life after high school
  • tour the State Capitol and learn about the legislative process

Click here for more information about 2011's Youth Leadership Forum. ylf2011keynotespeaker

For an application, contact Ned Andrew Solomon at: ned.solomon@tn.gov, by phone at 615.532.6556, or click here.

WHAT IS YLF?

The Youth Leadership Forum is a leadership and self-advocacy training for high school students with disabilities from across the state, sponsored by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

WHEN WILL THE FORUM TAKE PLACE?

4 days in July, 2012

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

In Middle Tennessee. ylf 2011 3 students

WHAT DOES IT COST?

There is no cost for the training, sleeping rooms or meals.  Students or their families will be reimbursed for mileage to and from the Forum approximately two weeks after the event.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Rising tenth graders through those students that will graduate in May or June of 2012. Students do not attend with family members.

WHO WILL SUPERVISE THE FORUM?

8-10 adult counselors and coordinating staff; many are returning YLF graduates

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED?

Twenty. An effort will be made to select a diverse group, based on type of disability, ethnicity, gender, school year and region of the state the student lives in.

HOW DOES A STUDENT APPLY? student and counselor at YLF

By completing the YLF 2012 application, which includes essay questions and letters of recommendation. If the student cannot access the application, please contact Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at ned.solomon@tn.gov for a mailed application.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING?

All applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2012.

For any other information about the Forum, please contact Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at ned.solomon@tn.gov.