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The Full Story

More About YLF

The NCYLF is an overnight, multi-day program that fosters emerging youth and young adult leaders by teaching them how to advocate in their communities and for themselves. Delegates come from all across North Carolina to learn about the Disability Rights Movement and how certain civil rights laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, came to fruition. The NCYLF builds young leaders while enabling them to experience independence and find their voice as advocates.

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Goal of YLF

The goal of Youth Leadership Forum is to give youth with disabilities, many of whom have never been away from home before, an opportunity to experience independence firsthand on a college campus while learning advocacy and leadership skills from alumni and professionals with disabilities and create personal plans regarding their future education, independent living, and career goals.

Life Lessons Learned

Delegates learn about disability history and independent living philosophy, which instills a sense of disability pride and community. YLF also empowers delegates to lead full lives by fostering relationships between delegates and more experienced peers with disabilities who have graduated college, are gainfully employed, and are engaged in their communities. NCYLF is a life-changing experience for many of our delegates because it is the first time that they are surrounded by like-minded individuals with similar experiences and who understand what it means to be a person with a disability.

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Our Sponsors

Making NC YLF Possible

Youth LEAD NC would like to thank our sponsors who have made NC Youth Leadership Forum possible.  

  • North Carolina Vocation Rehabilitation Division of DHHS

  • Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

  • North Carolina Council on Developmental Disability

  • Individual Contributors to Youth LEAD NC

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