Empowering Our Youth

02/13/2026

Pathways To Partnership sessions are moving fast!
Students have completed career inventories for Lesson 3 and discussed why it is important to explore and find out more about themselves.

I also wanted to announce Empowering Our Youth will be meeting February 18th at 3pm-5pm, in person and virtually.
Topics about Overcoming Challenges and Discussing Resources for Youth, stay tuned~

02/11/2026

Next week is a break for many youth! During your break- come out and join us for our events. Below is a listing of some of the school closures. Make sure to check your areas:
Many Georgia school districts, particularly in the metro Atlanta area, are closed next week (Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 20, 2026) for Winter Break or mid-winter intersession.
Below are the scheduled closures for major Georgia school systems:
Full Week Closures (Feb 16–20)
The following districts have a full week off for Winter Break:
Atlanta Public Schools
Cobb County Schools
DeKalb County Schools
Henry County Schools
Cherokee County School District
Fayette County Schools
Rockdale County Public Schools (labeled as Winter Intersession)
Carroll County Schools
Partial Closures & Student Holidays
Some districts have shorter breaks or specific staff-only days:
Fulton County Schools: Students are off Monday, Feb 16 (President's Day), Tuesday, Feb 17 (Teacher Workday), and Wednesday, Feb 18 (Professional Development Day). Students return Thursday, Feb 19.
Clayton County Public Schools: Schools are closed Monday, Feb 16 (President's Day) and Tuesday, Feb 17 (Extended Learning Beyond the Classroom Day).
Gwinnett County Public Schools: Schools are closed for student/teacher holidays from Thursday, Feb 12 through Monday, Feb 16. Students return Tuesday, Feb 17.

09/30/2025

🎉 The 2026 AAPD Summer Internship Application is OPEN!

This is your chance to land a PAID, hybrid internship in D.C. or remotely. Build your career, find your community, and help lead the disability rights movement.

✨ Paid Internship
✨ Connect with a Mentor
✨ Hybrid (DC or Remote)
✨ For students & recent grads with disabilities

Don't wait! The deadline is October 21, 2025.

Register for the Informational Session on 10/9: https://aapd.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=08dab5cd58ad9250c3f56519f&id=42b97ddddc&e=42f3babce1

For additional information, please visit the Summer Internship Program webpage https://aapd.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=08dab5cd58ad9250c3f56519f&id=4844690677&e=42f3babce1

If you have any questions, please email internships@aapd.com or call 202-521-4303.

APPLY NOW: https://aapd.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=08dab5cd58ad9250c3f56519f&id=4844690677&e=42f3babce1

09/24/2025

During uncertain times where both LGBT and disabled rights are under attack, disABILITY LINK extends our warmest thoughts to those who are often unconsidered in our community.

LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, representing a significant overlap where up to 36% of LGBTQ+ adults report having a disability, face unique double discrimination that manifests in limited healthcare access, employment barriers, higher poverty, and increased vulnerability to harassment. This intersectional experience often leads to exclusion from both LGBTQ+ and disability communities, resulting in heightened isolation and mental health challenges; however, through remarkable resilience and advocacy, there are growing efforts to promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and create supportive environments for this community.

Attached below is an article detailing various resources available to LGBT people with disabilities!

https://www.disabilityresources.org/lgbtq.html

Explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities with our in-depth guide and extensive resource directory. Empower yourself with knowledge and support.

09/17/2025

Hola, todos-- this Hispanic Heritage Month, disABILITY LINK urges us all to consider the unique hurdles experienced by Hispanic and Latino youth.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and contributions. It’s a time for pride, joy, and community. But it’s also a crucial moment to address a topic often shrouded in silence within our families: mental health.

The Hispanic/Latino community faces unique challenges, from immigration stress and language barriers to cultural gaps between generations. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health can be significant, with conditions sometimes seen as a weakness or a lack of faith.

This month, let’s redefine strength. True strength is not suffering in silence; it is having the courage to care for your mind as you would your body. It is honoring our ancestors by breaking cycles of pain and fostering resilience for our children. Deep family bonds and rich cultural traditions are incredible sources of support, and they can work in harmony with professional therapy and treatment.

Let’s use this celebration to start open conversations, check in on our loved ones without judgment, and challenge the stigma that holds us back. Our mental well-being is the foundation that allows us to fully embrace our heritage, achieve our dreams, and thrive as a community. Está bien no estar bien: It’s okay to not be okay. Seeking help is an act of profound self-love and cultural pride!

This story was produced by Maria Ruiz and Christopher Sarenana at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, California with support from Connected Educ...

09/10/2025

Today, September 10th, is World Su***de Prevention Day. Depressive disabilities can be challenging to deal with, especially when there is a stigma around the topic of depression and su***de. Here we can see the story of Elisa, who has dealt with this challenge firsthand.

For youth with disabilities, navigating a world that isn't always built for you can feel isolating. Know that your feelings are valid, and your struggles are real.

But so is your incredible strength.

Please know that your worth is inherent and unwavering. If the weight feels too heavy, you are not alone. Reach out, connect, and lean on your community-- here at disABILITY LINK, we host a great deal of community support sessions and classes that we more than welcome you to join when the world seems too overwhelming and scary.

Your story is essential, and you deserve support and hope.

Confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

The Trevor Project is also available 24/7: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

"It's normal to be angry. It's normal to feel depressed. It's normal to feel bad sometimes. Just like it can be normal to feel good."

***dePreventionDay

Elisa is diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Her peers called her a "whale" while teasing Elisa about her weight. She then turned on the TV and was bombar...

09/03/2025

We've included our upcoming Youth Programming events/other relevant events from September to October here!

Youth Independent Living Skills Class
Topic: ADA-How to file a complaint through the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Dates: September 11th (1:00pm-2:00pm)
Synopsis: This class is designed for young adults aged 14 to 29. Join us through the EOY Zoom link or in person. This class covers topics such as housing, budgeting, transportation, rights and benefits, meal preparation, and more.

Empowering Our Youth:
Topic: Personal Associations (Nostalgia)
Dates: September 20th (11:00am-12:30pm)
Synopsis: This is a peer-led group that creates opportunities for socializing, sharing experiences, and peer support. This month’s topic: Personal associations (Nostalgia!)

Parents’ Group:
Topic: Accommodations in Schools
Dates: September 20th (12:30pm-1:30pm)
Synopsis: This peer-led group offers support, services, and self-care resources for individuals with disabilities and their children. This month’s topic: Accommodations in school.

Doggie Day:
Topic: Rights as a Pet Owner
Dates: October 11th (10:00am-12:30pm)
Synopsis: Join us on the lawn of the Decatur First Baptist Church for our annual Doggie Day fundraiser! Come learn about your rights as a dog owner, whether it’s a service dog, support animal, or a pet! Location: Decatur First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Road, Decatur, GA 30030.

Annual Job/Career Fair:
Topic: Participation in the job fair
Dates: October 24th (10:00am-12:00pm)
Synopsis: DLENA (disABILITY LINK Employment Network Association). In October, we come together for our annual job and Career fair.

To join our classes via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4046874369?pwd=WHhxQmFqdUJpalZ6dnZKTTBKSldRdz09

Meeting ID: 404 687 4369 or 404 687 4EOY
Password: 663282

Please note that you do not need to sign up to join the meeting. For additional information and accommodations, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

09/03/2025

Invisible disabilities, like ADHD or autism, can be a challenge to navigate in the workplace. However, it can also be a significant asset!

This topical video features Brian R. King, a social worker specializing in Invisible Disabilities, who explains the concept of utilizing specialized attributes unique to the neurodivergent experience in the workplace.

Watch the video below to discover how individuals with invisible disabilities bring specialized skills to the table.

We urge you to reflect on this question: if you had to speak with an employer who is skeptical about hiring someone with an invisible disability, how would you advocate for yourself or others with such conditions?

Brian is an international speaker who brings attention to a topic that is not always discussed -- "invisible" disabilities in the workplace. He helps others ...

06/02/2025

Great video to learn about Tourette’s

Penny is a teenager who is diagnosed with Tourette's. She experiences both motor and vocal tics, including involuntary saying curse words. Penny notices that...

05/24/2025

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 27th. May this day be a time for remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

04/09/2025

Trump’s administration is dismantling disability rights and education. History has shown this can be a warning sign for all civil liberties

03/28/2025

We are hiring for a disABILITY Rights and Advocacy IL and for our summer youth internships. For more information:

Job Postings: Employment and Career Independent Living Specialist Youth and Community Health Independent Living Specialist Assistive Technology and Housing Independent Living Specialist Cancelled Openings: CLOSED: Youth Independent Living Program Coordinator Youth Community and Health Independent Li...