Kansas Youth Leadership Forum Proves Successful for 8th Year in a Row

KYEA recently welcomed 18 new alumni into the family! These 18 youth from across the state recently participated in the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum. The 2008 KSYLF was held June 16-21 at Washburn University in Topeka. For the 8th year in a row, KSYLF proved to be a great success with lasting memories, new friendships, and the development of many youth leaders. The theme for this year's Forum was "Own Your Dreams. Make Your Mark. Leave Your Legacy." Check back for more information about KSYLF 2008. An overview of the week and lots of photos are coming soon... 

Fund Available to Purchase an Accessible Vehicle

Do you need some financial assistance to purchase an accessible vehicle? Are you a youth with a disability? Then this is the opportunity for you! The Disability Rights Auto Fund will select one young person from a rural area (preferred) who will receive approximately $4,500 in order to purchase or modify a vehicle. The goal is that this fund will make independence and employment possible. This fund is being sponsored by The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), and The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN), in collaboration with Yoshiko Dart. To apply or nominate someone for this award, a short application must be filled out with an essay on how an accessible vehicle will increase independence for the person. The winning applicant will be announced this month.
VIEW MORE INFORMATION

Free Viewing of "Music Within" to be Shown in Hutchinson

The Prairie Independent Living Resource Center along with the Hutchinson Public Library and the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council will sponsor a free showing of the theatrical film “Music Within” on July 23. The showing will be at 6:30 pm in the auditorium of the Hutchinson Public Library. This film is being shown to highlight July as Americans with Disabilities Awareness Month and note the 18th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26th). The film will be followed by a panel discussion concerning issues addressed by the ADA. “Music Within” is the true story of Richard Pimmental who in his career played a key role in the creation and passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. After losing his hearing due to his military experience in Vietnam, Pimmental returns home to deal with his own frustrations and doubts as well as trying to overcome the obstacles that existed due to the lack of acceptance and understanding of the disabled by society. For more information, call Annette Smith at 620-663-5441 #132 or Mark Rassette at 620-662-1280, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Coalition for Independence Celebrates 20 Years in Kansas City

The Coalition for Independence is planning a 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 22-24 in Kansas City. The celebration is free of charge and will include open houses at both office locations, door prizes, a presentation by keynote speaker Geri Jewell, and an outdoor celebration with entertainment, food, music, and demonstrations for people of all ages.
VIEW A COMPLETE SCHEDULE  Warning! A new window will appear. 

National Youth Leadership Network Publishes Summer Newsletter

The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) recently published their summer issue of "Youth Empowerment Press." The issue is full of voting topics and articles. It is also completely written by and for youth.
READ THE ISSUE 

KASA Searching for Youth Board and Task Force Members

KASA wants YOU! The national organization, Kids As Self Advocates (KASA), currently has positions open on their Advisory Board and Task Force. They are searching for youth, between the ages of 12 and 24, to serve on their Advisory Board or Task Force. KASA is a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth. KASA is for people who have leadership experience as well as for those who want to gain more leadership experience. If you are interested in applying for either the KASA Advisory Board or the KASA Task Force, please contact Naomi Ortiz, Project Director, at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 785-273-3398. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the KASA WEBSITE. The deadline to apply is June 13, 2008. 

Emporia State University Seeks Input on Transition

Would you like to share your transition story? Do you have suggestions on successful transition? Then complete this survey! The Great Plains ADA Center and Emporia State University are studying the services that students with disabilities receive as they “transition” from high school to adult life. The purpose of this survey is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of those services throughout Kansas.

Feedback is needed from the following groups to share information based on their experiences in their own local communities:
- Recent high school graduates with disabilities
- Family members of students and recent graduates with disabilities
- Regular and special education personnel
- Adult or youth service providers who work with individuals with disabilities
- Disability advocates
- Employers

A summary of findings from this survey will be shared with state and local agencies that are interested in improving services to students and young adults.
COMPLETE THE SURVEY

Delegates Announced for 2008 Youth Leadership Forum

The delegates who will attend this summer's Kansas Youth Leadership Forum have been announced. Twenty-two youth leaders in Kansas will come together to learn about leadership, advocacy, goal setting, disability culture, and so much more! READ THE PRESS RELEASE 
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KSYLF Selects Delegates for 2008 Summer Forum

The 2008 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is right around the corner and this summer's delegates have been selected! We have chosen 22 youth leaders from across the state who will attend the 2008 Forum. The KSYLF will be held June 17-21 at Washburn University in Topeka. Congratulations to those youth who have been selected! Stay tuned for more details... 

NYLN to Hold Teleconference on Voting

Are you ready to vote in the 2008 election? Are you ready to show Washington and the nation, the power of the disability vote? If so, this is the event for you! The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) will be hosting a national conference call focused on the upcoming election. The teleconference and webcast will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm Central time. LEARN MORE 

February E-Newsletter Published

Our February issue of the KYEA E-Newsletter has been published! And it has a whole new look! READ IT NOW
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1-28-08

KSYLF Still Searching for Motivated Young Leaders... Application Deadline Extended

Are you a youth interested in attending our 2008 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum? Did you miss our first deadline? You're in luck! The deadline to apply for the '08 KSYLF has been extended to January 31, 2008. We are still searching for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have leadership potential or interest. Our 2008 Forum will be held on June 16-21 at Washburn University in Topeka. The KSYLF is heading into it's 8th year serving students with disabilities across Kansas. The week-long Forum is a motivational leadership training designed to empower delegates to follow their goals, become strong leaders, and celebrate disability pride! Visit our KSYLF PAGE to learn more about the program and fill out an application.

KYEA Announces Executive Director Position Available!

The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy announces the availability of a job position within our organization. We are currently accepting resumes for the position of Executive Director.

VIEW THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION  Warning! A new window will appear.

Please send applications and resumes to PO Box 475, Topeka, KS 66601 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Any questions may be directed to this email as well. 

KYEA Announces Two Job Positions Available!

The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy has announced the availability of two job positions. We are currently accepting resumes for the positions of Executive Director and Office Assistant.

VIEW THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION  Warning! A new window will appear.
VIEW THE OFFICE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION  Warning! A new window will appear.

Please send applications and resumes to PO Box 475, Topeka, KS 66601 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Any questions may be directed to this email as well.

Are you a youth interested in attending our 2008 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum? Did you miss our first deadline? You're in luck! The deadline to apply for the '08 KSYLF has been extended to January 15, 2008. We are still searching for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have leadership potential or interest. Our 2008 Forum will be held on June 16-21 at Washburn University in Topeka. The KSYLF is heading into it's 8th year serving students with disabilities across Kansas. The week-long Forum is a motivational leadership training designed to empower delegates to follow their goals, become strong leaders, and celebrate disability pride! Visit our KSYLF PAGE to learn more about the program and fill out an application.

KYEA Has a New Address

The KYEA office has moved to a new location in Topeka. Our new mailing address is PO Box 475, Topeka, KS 66601. ALL MAIL should be sent to this address. Our in person address is 225 SW 12st St. in Topeka. Stop by and visit our new offices!

The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for youth leaders who would like to serve on their governing board. NYLN is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. They empower all young people to reach their maximum potential. NYLN is very similar to the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy, except on a national level.

Applicants to the governing board must:

• Be between 15 and 28 years old;
• Have a disability;
• Have leadership and advocacy skills.

In order to apply, you must fill out an application, which can be found at www.nyln.org. The application deadline is December 7, 2007. NYLN also wants you to spread the word! If you are already a member of NYLN, and you encourage other people to apply, then you will be eligible to win a $50 Target Gift card. This gift card will be given to the member who encourages the most people to apply. To be eligible for this prize, you must have found at least three members to apply. They must write your name on the application under the question that asks "Who asked you to apply?".

For more information, call 1-866-480-6565 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Is the topic of inclusion a passion of yours? Do you want to see young people with disabilities included in all aspects of life? Then attend the upcoming Statewide Inclusion Conference hosted by Families Together. The conference will be held on Saturday, December 8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. Session topics will include inclusive practices, how to write IEP's, accommodations, transition, siblings of youth with disabilities, and more. There will also be exhibitors available throughout the day. Parents, school personel, community service providers, advocates, siblings, and, of course, youth, are all invited to attend. If you would like to attend the conference, ACT NOW! The registration deadline is December 1, 2007. To register or learn more about the conference, view the CONFERENCE FLYER. WARNING! A new window will appear.

It’s that time again! KYEA is currently searching for potential youth leaders to attend our 8th annual Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF). The 2008 KSYLF will be held June 17-21 at Washburn University in Topeka. The KSYLF is a motivational five day forum in which a group of students gather to learn about leadership development and disability pride. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment!

All students who are interested in attending the KSYLF must meet the following criteria:

• reside in Kansas
• have a disability as defined with the Americans With Disabilities Act
• be in the 11th or 12th grade as of December 31st of the current year
• have demonstrated leadership potential in school and the community

Students must fill out an application that will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. About 30 – 40 delegates will be selected to attend. The application deadline for the 2008 forum is December 15, 2007.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KSYLF

VIEW THE 2008 APPLICATIONS 

November E-Newsletter Published

Our November issue of the KYEA E-newsletter has been published! READ IT NOW 

KYEA Celebrates 2nd Birthday!

It seems like just yesterday that the first Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KSYLF) was held. Now, eight years later, we celebrate the second birthday of the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA), which was born from the KSYLF. KYEA officially opened its doors on October 1, 2005, so last month, KYEA turned two years old! What was once a small program and vision is now a reality in the form of a full non-profit organization. Look around our website to see what we are all about. Also, be sure to read our TWO YEAR SUMMARY. 

DeafFest Coming Up in Wichita

The Kansas League of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Heartspring are sponsoring an upcoming DeaFest in Wichita. The event will be on Saturday, October 13 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. It will be held at the Heartspring Convention Center in Wichita, KS. The event will include workshops on different topics, exhibitions, a silent auction, food, and door prizes. VIEW THE FLYER 

New Online Course About Violence Against People with Disabilities

IL NET is hosting an upcoming online course about violence against people with disabilities. The course will be held October 22 - November 9, 2007. Participants will gain a greater understanding of domestic violence and sexual assault to help people recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse. The target audience is center for independent living managers and board members, but anyone is welcome to join the course. The registration deadline is October 12, so sign up now. READ MORE 

Webcast to Focus on Accessible Parking and Compliance Issues

Do you have an interest in accessible parking issues? Then this webcast may be for you! The Southwest ADA Center at ILRU will be hosting a Web cast on accessible parking and compliance issues. Aaron McCullough, attorney at law, will present the Web cast "All about Accessible Parking and Compliance," on Wednesday, October 10 at 2:00 pm CST. This Web cast will focus on solutions to accessible and compliant parking for employers, employees, and more. READ ABOUT IT

9-20-07

KYEA Hosting "Youth Talk" in Garden City

The KYEA staff are coming to western Kansas! On Monday, September 24, KYEA, along with the Center for Independent Living of SW KS, will be hosting a “Youth Talk” in Garden City. So, what is “Youth Talk?” It is a chance to be involved in discussion and activities related to discovering who you are and who you want to become. Participants will learn more about KYEA and have the opportunity to chill with other youth with disabilities. Movies, skating (bring your own skates), and games will be available. Free pizza and drinks will be provided! So, who can come? If you are a youth with a disability who is 30 years old or below, then you are invited to attend. The event will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Center for Independent Living of SW KS office (1802 E. Spruce St). If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Troy Horton at 620-276-1900 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . View our YOUTH TALK FLYER for more information. We hope to see you all face to face when our van rolls through Garden City!

Important Announcement About Former KSYLF Website

You may have noticed that our KYEA website is expanding everyday and that we now have our Youth Leadership Forum section coming together. As most of you know, our old YLF website was located at www.ksylf.org. Please note that we are now incorporating our YLF site into this existing KYEA website. From now on, if you would like information about the Youth Leadership Forum, please visit this site as your source of information. We are no longer affiliated with, nor do we endorse, any content relating to the www.ksylf.org site. On that note, we suggest that you will want to refrain from visiting this site as it now contains unwanted spyware and, possibly, viruses that can damage your computer. So please update your bookmarks with our WWW.KYEA.ORG website! The YLF section of this website is currently under construction, but we will be working on it in the coming months. In the meantime, take a look at our YLF ’07 page, complete with an overview and lots of pictures! 

KSYLF Volunteer Featured in Upcoming Barbershop Concert

Our very own, Tim Anderson (KSYLF Interpreter 02-07), will show off his singing skills during an upcoming Barbershop Concert. Tim is a part of the Cody Choraliers and they will be having their annual show this weekend on Saturday, September 22 in Leavenworth. Show times are 2:00 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are just $10. All proceeds will go towards the support of vocal music education in the public schools. Along with the Cody Choraliers, 3 Men & A Melody will also be singing in the show. Don't miss your chance to hear Tim sing in person! For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Tim at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 913-306-4860.

Scholarship Available for Students with Autism

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has announced the Schwallie Family Scholarship, to support qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome pursuing post-secondary education. READ ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Online Course Teaches About Olmstead Law

IL NET will be having an online course introducing the Olmstead decision and how it affects the community. Participants will learn about the background and significance of the U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision. They will learn if state and federal laws and programs really support the rights of persons with disabilities. They will also learn how the Olmstead law affects people with disabilities. Topics covered will include consumer directed services, as well as useful strategies for transitioning people from nursing homes to the community. LEARN ABOUT THIS ONLINE COURSE

Youth Advisory Committee Searching for New Members

The National Council on Disability Youth Advisory Committee is currently searching for new members. NCD's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a 12-member advisory committee that provides advice to NCD on disability-related issues affecting youth. Applications will be accepted from people between the ages of 16 and 25 at the time of application. Youth with a variety of disabilities, underrepresented diverse racial and ethnic groups, and representatives from around the country are encouraged to apply. READ MORE  

KYEA Undergoes Period of Transition

All of us go through transition periods in our lives. KYEA is no different. Transition equals change and our organization has had a large change occur in the past month. As of Monday, July 9, Brenda Eddy resigned her position with KYEA; she plans on exploring other opportunities. Brenda is a great person, a wonderful leader, and a friend to all of us. Her absence will not be forgotten.

Julia Fonseca is currently serving in the position of Interim Director. She has been with KYEA since its creation in 2005.

Through this period of transition, we will continue to have the youth of our state as our focus and hope to move towards an even brighter future. We thank all of you who have supported KYEA over the years.

KYEA Honored With Distinguished Service Award

KYEA was recently awarded the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award. This award is sponsored by EP Global Communications and Mass Mutual. The award honored KYEA for its competitive spirit and effort on behalf of the disability community. Julia Fonseca, Interim Director, and Martha Gabehart, Board Member, accepted the award during Disability Awareness Night at the Royals game at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium on July 26. Disability Awareness Night is a national program intended to increase awareness and support for the millions of Americans who have a disability in the United States. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARD AND VIEW PICTURES

YLF Welcomes 26 New Alumni!

The YLF family is growing every year and we just added 26 more youth and 7 new volunteers to the group! The 2007 Youth Leadership Forum was held on June 12-16 at Washburn University in Topeka. Twenty-six youth with disabilities from across the state attended this year’s forum and created that familiar "YLF majic." All of the youth participants showed great leadership skills and truly bonded as a group. To our 26 new youth alumni and 7 new volunteers—welcome to the family! VIEW PICTURES AND OVERVIEW YLF 2007 section coming soon!

Interested in Joining the KYEA Board? Board Positions Are Now Available!

Do you have a passion for the KYEA mission? Then consider serving on the KYEA board of directors. We are currently searching for youth and adults who will bring skills and commitment to our board. The KYEA board has two youth positions and two non-youth positions available at this time. Visit our CONTACT US page to learn more about this position and download an application.

KSYLF Alumni Attend Kansas Disability Caucus

The 2007 Kansas Disability Caucus was held on August 8-10 and approximately 14 KSYLF alumni were in attendance. The youth were able to attend sessions, network with other community members, share thoughts during a Youth Gathering organized by KYEA, and have their voice heard throughout the week. Congratulations to Jacob and Angie, YLF 2007 Alumni, who were chosen as the spokespersons for two separate Regional Caucus Groups. These two spoke in front of a crowd of 500 people! A big thanks to all of our alumni who attended the Caucus.

Part 1 of August KYEA E-newsletter Published!

Part 1 of our August issue of the KYEA E-newsletter has been published! This issue contains lots of KYEA updates, as well as local news that relates to youth with disabilities. Look for Part 2 coming to your Inbox very soon! To view our August issue (Part 1), visit our JUST 4 YOUTH! page.

Bring Disability History and Pride to Your School Today!

As another school year gets underway, KYEA is gearing up to start scheduling the Disability Heritage Project (DHP) in local classrooms. The DHP works to bring disability history and pride into the schools. KYEA staff are available to come and present to students of all ages about a variety of topics. To learn more about this program, visit our DISABILITY HERITAGE PROJECT page. Do you know of a group of students who would benefit from this presentation? Then bring the Disability Heritage Project to your school today! CONTACT US