An Ongoing Process... My Adventures in Advocacy! Rachel Kallem Whitman

My Story

Working with PYLN

What PYLN Has Done: Served as an advocacy group for youth with disabilities – Work on committees related to career training, secondary education, recreation and more – Serve as mentors to youth across PA Host/participate in webinars and work closely with transition coordinators, Intermediate Units, and special education professionals Speaking engagements across the state Create a toolkit for Transition Age Youth

What PYLN Really Does.. Inspire Youth with HOPE!

Youth Leadership vs. Youth Development Youth Leadership Board Members -Students who are established leaders with well defined advocacy skills -Serve as mentors Youth Development Blossoming Leaders - Students who need mentorship and support with self-determination and advocacy - Will become mentors

Recruitment Strategies PYLN hosted five regional sessions in: – Pittsburgh – Edinboro – State College – Harrisburg – Philadelphia At each regional session youth were selected (16) to be a part of the Youth Leadership Forum at the Transition Conference in State College

Hot Topics These leaders along with PYLN Board Members discussed: – What is disability – How the public views disability – How this affects your life Attended the following sessions: – Disability history – Secondary Transition – How to tell your story

In the Near Future... Start Regional Groups – PYLN will serve as technical support to help PYLN chapters develop; they will be linked to Centers for Independent Living (6) across the state Working with youth without disabilities – developing leadership skills for all young adults

Mental Health America Allegheny County

MHAAC Education Advocacy – Focus on Transition Aged Youth with mental health issues – Interest in presenting to youth about the history of the Disability Rights Movement and how it relates to personal advocacy

Some Current Goals at MHAAC Resource guide for transition age youth with disabilities Focus groups for parents about the needs of these students Move forward in supporting youth with MH diagnosis IEP Advocacy

Working with the Allegheny County Coalition for Recovery (ACCR)

The Circuit Present to agencies about the needs of youth with mental health issues – Presented with a parent, a provider representative, and myself (youth perspective) to talk about the needs/concerns of youth and their families – Presented to staff in Juvenile Justice, Residential Treatment Facilities, Direct service providers (partial programs, alternative ed., BHRS), and more!

Education on.. Resiliency & Recovery (the universal nature of both) The “Medical Model” and the “Passive Patient” What it is like to be a youth in recovery The Five Key Recovery Concepts What makes a “family” and the family’s role A Choice and a Voice!

Take Home Message Part 1: Changing the way we work with youth: – Collaboration – No experts – Pay attention to language (person first and recovery language) – Normalize experiences (not everything is a sign of pathology) – Listen more, talk less!

Take Home Message Part 2: What YOU can do to help: Focus on strengths Discover natural aptitudes and character assets Develop and foster a talent or interest Help families find their own solutions Build hope, confidence, and self-acceptance Develop capacities Build a community of support

Take Home Message Part 3: What helps: It’s all about relationships Honest, respectful dialogue Talk about recovery with families and youth Be positive; instill hope Be compassionate Relate to your own experiences overcoming adversity Know what services are available and help figure out what makes sense for this family

Working with La Roche College

La Roche College Initiatives – AMP it Up Leadership Development Group Autonomy, Motivation, and Purpose Community of Leaders and Peers – Disability Awareness Initiatives Speaker series Career work shops – Faculty/Staff Education Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities/Medical Conditions

Live a Lot = Learn a Lot How to help and stay healthy – Setting boundaries Listening skills – What the people want, the people get! Who I really am – I am Rachel, hear me roar!

Contact Information Rachel Kallem Whitman (Your Lovely Speaker) Everett Deibler (PYLN President)