Empowering Our Youth

03/17/2026

APPLICATIONS for the Little Lobbyists internship program are now LIVE

We are seeking applicants who are self-advocates or who have lived experience with disability, including caregivers, siblings, or family members of people with disabilities.

APPLY TODAY —>

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

03/12/2026

In Lesson 6, students explored Communication skills and different ways of communicating.

Students became more aware on body language, verbal/nonverbal communication, written communication and why each skill is important in different scenarios.

We all communicate in many ways, this lesson helped students navigate their strengths and weaknesses through communication.

03/12/2026

Students completed Lesson 5 on Self Advocacy!

Very fun lesson on speaking up when needing help and practicing scenarios on who can help.

03/12/2026

Students completed Lesson 4 on Job Exploration

03/12/2026

Family Learning Session happening on the 25th of March. Families are welcome to drop in to learn about choices for students after High School!

There are 2 times to drop in:

12:00pm-12:30pm or 5:30pm-6:00pm

Barcodes available to scan on flyer

03/06/2026

https://disabilitylink.wordpress.com/2026/03/05/a-seat-at-the-table-amplifying-the-voices-of-young-people-with-disabilities/

This article presents a compelling call for systemic change to ensure meaningful participation of young people with disabilities in policy-making and development initiatives. Written by disability rights activist Nir Shrestha, the piece challenges the tokenistic approach often taken toward youth with disabilities, who face dual exclusion from both mainstream disability advocacy and youth-focused programs.

Author: Nir ShresthaPublished: 2025/09/07 Synopsis: This article presents a compelling call for systemic change to ensure meaningful participation of young people with disabilities i…

03/04/2026

The second semester of the 2025-26 P2P program has begun. Check out what the students have been up to.

P2P is excited to have kicked off its second semester of the 2025-2026 school year

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...