High school students have a wealth of choices when planning their lives after high school. They must make decisions about careers, college, vocational training, friendships, social opportunities, living arrangements, and participating in community life. High school students with or without disabilities need encouragement and training to prepare for their paths and their futures. For young people with developmental disabilities, it is especially critical that they have access to successful role models and training to assist them in navigating life after high school.

For students with developmental disabilities, life after high school is often an uphill struggle. According to the Florida Department of Education, only 26 % of students with developmental disabilities exiting school in 2002-2003 found employment between October and December 2003.  And students with developmental disabilities who want to continue their education after high school face an even starker reality. According to the Florida Department of Education, only 6% of students with developmental disabilities exiting school in 2002-2003 were enrolled in some type of continuing education program.

To help provide the needed encouragement that builds the practical skills needed to transition from high school to life in the adult world, The Able Trust developed the Youth Leadership Forum, a four-day training program designed to bring together young people with disabilities with leadership potential and help prepare them for the future.

This year, the Able Trust will host the 10th Annual Florida Youth Leadership Forum in Tallahassee, FL, on July 22-26, 2009. At least 50 current high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities will be selected as delegates for the forum at least 15 of those students will have a developmental disability. By serving as delegates from their communities to this 4-day event in Tallahassee, students with disabilities cultivate leadership, citizenship and social skills.

For more information about the Youth Leadership Forum, go to www.abletrust.org. or email the Able Trust at info@abletrust.org.