HireAbility

Youth Advocacy Council

Education, Empowerment, Equity.

Youth Advocacy Council Logo

This group is comprised of youth and young adults with disabilities, who express interest in participating in both leadership training and opportunities to impact how Vermont prepares students with disabilities for life after high school. The council has a supportive steering committee facilitated by HireAbility VT and its youth advocacy partners.

Four Areas of Focus

Each year the Council identifies four areas that are of greatest importance to them.

Areas of Focus:

  • Employment and Assistive Technology
  • Accountability
  • Housing Options and Support Programs
  • Invisible Disabilities/Mental Health

Be a Leader and a Changemaker.

  • Connect with other students in Vermont
  • Advocate for youth resources
  • Lead while providing community service
  • Plan and run an annual Youth Summit
Youth Summit Meeting

The Annual Youth Summit

Through support from the Youth Advocacy Steering Committee, the Youth Advocacy Council plans an annual Youth Summit. This event brings together youth and young adults from across the state to discuss issues most relevant to them and learn about how they can empower themselves in all aspects of their educational, social, and career experiences. Driven by youth for youth.

Watch the 2022 Youth Summit Video

How do I become a member?

Youth Advocacy Partners

  • HireAbility VT (formerly Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation)
  • Vermont Center for Independent Living
  • Vermont Family Network
  • Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Agency of Education
  • Vermont Department of Health
  • Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
  • Vermont Afterschool, Inc.
  • Vermont Department of Mental Health

Email us to learn more

Contact Tara Howe at tara.howe@vermont.gov

HireAbility June 16, 2022