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Mission / Core Areas of Focus / Values / Governance / History

 

KYEA Brochure

Front of the YEA brochure Inside of the YEA brochure
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Mission
 

The mission of KYEA is to promote and support the development of youth with disabilities so they become empowered as community leaders through education, mentoring, and peer support.

 

Core Areas of Focus

  • Education

  • Community

  • Advocacy

  • Mentoring

A youth sits in front of the Capital building with other persons in the background.

 

Values
 

As an organization, we put emphasis on certain values. All of our programs are created with these values in mind.

    • Consumer control

    • Consumer choice

    • Strong youth involvement

    • A non-medical approach

    • Majority of decisions and direction of organization is youth driven

    • Incorporate a mentoring and role modeling approach

    • Recognize the importance of empowerment through networking and collaboration

    A woman serves as a mentor to a youth and poses for a picture with her.

    • Respect for diversity

    • Recognize the potential of ALL youth

    • Maintain integrity

    • Look for opportunities to integrate this organization with the larger vision for youth


Governance
 

“Nothing about us, without us!”

The YEA organization is about, and for, youth with disabilities; therefore, it is also driven by youth. YEA is governed by a board of directors where adult mentors serve in an advisory capacity. However, the majority of the voting board members are youth with disabilities.

2008 KYEA Board of Directors

 

History

In 1998 a delegation from Kansas attended a conference in California to learn about an innovative program providing leadership training for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. Upon returning to Kansas, a steering committee was formed to plan the first Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). In 2001, with a grant from the Resource Center for Independent Living, the first YLF was held. After hosting five successful YLF’s, it became apparent that additional programs for transition-age youth were needed. In 2005 a non-profit organization called the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (YEA) was established to house the YLF and other programs that empower young people with disabilities. With grant funding from Kansas Rehabilitation Services and match funds from the Kansas Legislature, the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy officially opened its doors on October 1, 2005.

The 2001 YLF delegates pose for a group picture in the Governor's office.

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