Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.
History of the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
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
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
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 has been extended to April 20, 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
College Bound
Read stories from past YLF Delegates and Independence Now Consumers on their College Experience
Three Questions with Shannon | Annie Tulkin of Accessible College
Annie Tulkin, Founder and Director of Accessible College, talks about resources for students with disabilities who are transitioning to a college setting.
Congrats to 2021 Rising Star Award Recipient, Montel Medley!
It is with great joy that we present this award in Deborah Jackson’s honor and memory to Montel Medley who carries on her commitment to an independent life.
Focus on Transition Services
Montel went from Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegate to College Graduate! He says he’s made a lot of friends along the way.
Nurse Betsy on the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
“By meeting other students with a variety of disabilities, each delegate comes to realize that they are not alone in this world. It is amazing the positive transformation that students undergo within a short time period.”
Women in Disability History: Freddie Peaco
As part of our Independent Living History series and in recognition of March being Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing the contributions of a local woman to events in Disability History.
Maryland Youth Leadership Forum, the Lessons of History
During MDYLF youth learn the history of the Disability Movement and lesser-known facts about people with disabilities in history.