The ILRC has been providing no-cost services to support people with disabilities for 47 years. Because of a Women’s Fund grant of $100,000, the agency was able to hire a Youth Advocate, Anisa Garrett, to support 45 youth with disabilities from ages 14 to 26 years. She will help them overcome barriers to independence and develop the skills they need to pursue productive, rewarding lives. Services include independent living skills training, peer support, pre-employment services, housing navigation, benefits assistance, personal assistance connection, and community/advocacy training. Young adults with disabilities often find themselves excluded from important conversations due to the social stigma surrounding their condition -- conversations about employment, voting, education, dating, and friendship. ILRC's Youth Advocate will host quarterly workshops focused on these topics. The workshops will provide a safe space for participants to learn and discuss these issues for the first time with peers and educators experienced with the intersection of disability and young adulthood. In addition, participants will be able to connect with other young people with shared life experiences. ILRC has secured a matching grant to cover 20% of the funds for the Youth Advocate position and hopes to continue with this program beyond the two-year period by working with state partners for future fiscal support. If you are interested in learning more, contact ILRC’s Youth Advocate, Anisa Garrett at agarrett@ilrc-trico.org. |
