Youth Self-Advocacy Program

Self-Advocacy is all about speaking up for yourself and making your own choices.

YSA is a grant-funded project seeking to uplift and empower young Mainers with disabilities aged 14-24! Whether it be an IEP or 504 meeting, a conversation with a loved one or employer, YSA has activities and lessons to build your advocacy skills and make progress toward your goals.

YSA trains on topics like understanding accommodations, supported decision-making, disability civil rights 101, financial literacy, transition planning, conflict resolution, and communication strategies through hands-on activities that support learners of all abilities. YSA provides direct instruction to students within the Pathways to Partnerships grant through the Department of Labor and Vocational Rehabilitation at middle and high schools around Maine!

Reach out to Project Director Kate Turpen (they/them) to learn more – kturpen@drme.org.