Partners for Youth with Disabilities

PYD’s goal is to create a world where young people with disabilities can live with dignity and pride in who they are and lead self-determined lives filled with purpose. To make this happen, we build the skills and abilities of young people with disabilities and increase the inclusivity of workplaces, organizations, and communities.

We currently run programs focusing on mentoring, career readiness, and leadership development. 

One-to-One Mentoring (ages 12-24)  is a friendship-based program designed to allow youth the opportunity to develop social skills, build healthy relationships, and accomplish small goals with the help of a caring adult mentor. Youth meet with their mentor to do activities of their choosing or just to stay connected for 4-6 hours per month for at least one year.

Career Readiness (ages 14-22) is an afterschool, classroom, and individualized work program designed to prepare young people for jobs and careers out of school. Sessions can involve building resumes, practicing interviews, identifying potential career fields, and more.

Youth Leadership (ages 18-30) programs take place in the summer. Our Youth Leadership Forum is a week-long overnight conference hosted on a college campus that immerses youth in topics of independent living, self-advocacy, and disability pride, all while meeting peers and making lifelong friends.