The North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum has been supported by the Statewide Independent Living Council, North Carolina Centers for Independent Livings, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and Raleigh Mayors Committee for Persons with Disabilities. It has been hosted by Alliance of Disability Advocates. Youth LEAD NC, a nonprofit started by NCYLF alumni, is hosting the 2020 forum. It is planned and run by young people with disabilities. We foster emerging youth and young adult leaders by teaching them to advocate in each of their communities and for themselves. 

The NCYLF is an overnight, multi-day program that fosters emerging youth and young adult leaders by teaching them how to advocate in their communities and for themselves. Delegates come from all across North Carolina to learn about the Disability Rights Movement and how certain civil rights laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, came to fruition. The NCYLF builds young leaders while enabling them to experience independence and find their voice as advocates.

Through practical experiences, roleplaying, discussions, activities and testimonies, the NCYLF is here to empower today's young adults with the knowledge they need to live full lives and teach other young people with disabilities about what the Independent Living Movement is all about.


The NCYLF is a fully accessible event that provides accommodations per request. This environment encourages delegates to develop self-advocacy and independent living skills so that everyone can participate fully.


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