Youth Leadership Forum | Independence Now

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.

History of Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF)

The Youth Leadership Forum was initiated in 1992 by the California Governor's Committee on the Employment of Disabled Persons. This popular program spread across the country and is now conducted annually in more than 33 states. Maryland held its first Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF) in August 2000.

MD-YLF Curriculum

Find your unique strengths and develop skills to be a leader in your community

Encourage civic engagement through learning about the legislative process and how to change problems in your community.

Develop communication skills through social activities, role play and discussion.

Learn about Disability Culture and the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA)

Play games around the history of disability and explore technology and adaptations for people with disabilities.

Play games around the history of disability and explore technology and adaptations for people with disabilities

Experience "college life" through a stay at one of Maryland's universities.

Meet professionals with a wide range of careers in Maryland who have disabilities.

Discuss independent living and future plans with peers and facilitators to develop goals and paths to success.

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum 2021

Wednesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 7, 2021
Virtual Event via Zoom

Selection Criteria

Must be in their final two years of high school.
Applicant accomplishments and leadership potential
Academic achievement
Community service
Participation in school and community activities
Disability diversity
Ethnic and racial diversity
Geographic representation

Applicants will be called to participate in a regional interview after submitting their application form.

Application

The deadline to apply for MD-YLF 2021 is Friday, March 21, 2021.

Download application and return to:

YLF, c/o Independence Now, Inc.
12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20904

If you would like to receive email updates about YLF, contact Damon Walker at dwalker@innow.org or 240-638-0070.

Our Delegates

"At the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum, I learned about the Maryland government and how it operates which is useful information when discussing policies regarding people with disabilities."

JordanMaryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegate, Class of 2020

"Maryland Youth Leadership Forum impacted me by showing me how to live independently and showing that I am a leader for my rights."

NoahMaryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegate, Class of 2020

Read stories from past YLF Delegates and Independence Now Consumers on their College Experience

Graphic featuring Independence Now Consumer, Fatima, with the quote Through learning, we gain knowledge. We gain power. We grow, we thrive. We unleash our talents. But first, we must listen to everyone.

A Consumer Shares Her Learning Story | Learning Disabilities Month

October 12, 2020 No Comments

With learning disabilities, we always hear the statistics, and not always the stories. One of our consumers, Fatima M. shared some of her thoughts on having a learning disability in a school setting.

Photo of Will Shawan wearing a blue shirt and orange tie in his dorm room

Will Shawan doesn’t know how he will change the world, only that he will!

October 6, 2020 No Comments

“I am still deciding what I want to do after I graduate, but some causes that interest me include reducing food waste, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and advocating for more accessible housing spaces.”