THE CONFERENCE…
In 2003 the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) conducted an informal study showing that few students with disabilities are given or take the opportunity to participate in activities such as Student Council or Boy’s State. In an effort to give students with disabilities the opportunity to develop leadership skills, become successfully employed, and actively participate in their communities, NDCPD has developed the North Dakota Youth Disability Leadership Conference.
THE CONFERENCE COORDINATOR…
My name is Dawn Olson and as the conference coordinator for the North Dakota Youth Disability Leadership Conference, I would like to share some background information about myself. I currently work for the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD). I was born and raised in North Dakota and attended a school for children with disabilities from kindergarten through high school. As a student, I was given many opportunities that I may not have had if had I attended a regular public school (e.g. I was a cheerleader for a wheelchair basketball team and was involved in student council). These experiences gave me a sense of belonging and began to instill in me positive leadership qualities.
It is my belief that students with disabilities, growing into adulthood, should learn to identify themselves with pride as individuals and as members of their community. The development of the NDYDLC is one way to do this. By participating in the conference and facing issues related to students with disabilities, students leave the conference with a new sense of self and feel empowered for the future.
The 2006 NDYDLC conference will be held at Minot State University on June 20-22nd. This will be a fun and rewarding time for you. You will have the opportunity to see how others meet the challenges of their disabilities. Leaders in business, education and the disability community will be brought together to produce this conference. You will participate in group activities and discussions that promote leadership and education.
Should you have any questions about the conference, feel free to give me a call at 1-800-233-1737.
I look forward to seeing you in June.
North Dakota Youth Disability Leadership Conference
To Lead Enviable Lives
