Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

Posted by National Mentoring Partnership on July 2, 2018

MENTORING YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FRIENDSHIP, AWARENESS, AND A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY
Thu, July 19, 2018 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM EDT

At the heart of youth mentoring is the idea that every young person needs and deserves to have a caring, committed adult in their life to listen and help them realize their potential. EVERY young person implies an inclusive landscape – but too often, youth with disabilities are not included or considered when we design our youth mentoring programs. How can programs engage and be more responsive to youth with disabilities and what programmatic elements are needed? Also, we know that youth with disabilities are not a monolithic group and have different abilities and challenges. How do we incorporate programming that serves youth with physical AND developmental disabilities?

Join us as we discuss best practice elements and research findings in designing and implementing mentoring programs for youth with disabilities. In addition to mentoring program practitioners, you will hear from a parent who advocates for, and knows the benefit of, mentoring and inclusion for youth with disabilities.

Facilitated by: Cheryl Howard–Neal, Director of Programs and Partnerships (MENTOR Illinois)

PANELISTS:

• Elesha Nightingale, Program Coordinator (Access Living – Disability Justice Mentoring Collective – Chicago, IL)
• Genelle C. Thomas, Director of National Initiatives (Partners for Youth with Disabilities – Somerville, MA)
• Kristin Humphrey, Mentoring Director (Partners for Youth with Disabilities – Somerville, MA)
• Cindy Montgomery, Parent and Founder/CEO (Teachability – Chicago, IL)

Collaborative Mentoring Webinar Series