Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
About 30 students with disabilities are gathering this week at Carroll College and the Capitol in Helena for the annual Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF), which began on Monday, July 18, and concludes on Friday, July 22.
MYLF is hosted by North Central Independent Living Services with funding through the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) Pre-Employment Transition Services program.
DPHHS Director Adam Meier highlighted the importance of the event: “MYLF provides students with disabilities an opportunity to engage with peers from across the state to learn leadership and self-advocacy skills while mapping out goals for their future,” Meier said. “The event helps channel youth energy in a positive way to prepare the next generation of individuals with disabilities for leadership in the workforce and in their communities.”
Participants from various locations including Missoula, Great Falls, Bainville, Helena, Thompson Falls, Frenchtown, Dillon, Jefferson City, Corvallis, and Trout Creek are learning about disability history and culture. The curriculum includes understanding laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Later this week, attendees will explore assistive technology such as alternative keyboards, audio books, adaptive video gaming equipment, text-to-speech devices, and magnification apps. Additional activities involve training on interviewing skills; managing stress; advocacy workshops; and developing Personal Leadership Plans.
This year’s forum features guest speaker Shawn Harper, a former NFL offensive tackle who will present “The Winning Edge.” Today’s schedule included a visit to the Capitol where students participated in a mock legislative session in the Senate Chambers.
Former student delegate Opal Besaw shared her experience: “The forum teaches people with different abilities advocacy skills... it opens doors... it changes people’s lives!” Besaw stated. She emphasized that being part of MYLF allowed her to feel connected to a community advocating for rights despite initial intimidation.
To learn more about MYLF or get involved visit http://montanaylf.org/
In FFY 21 alone through Pre-Employment Transition Services Program over 1,036 high school students received services aiding their transition into adulthood ensuring they are equipped alongside other Montanans achieving employment goals.
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