The New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), with the State Rehabilitation Council, is developing the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services for Federal Fiscal Year 2016(beginning October 1, 2015). 

To assist in the development of the State Plan, individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, employers and services providers are invited to attend the public meetings to provide comments on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. The public comment period extends from January 26, 2015 through February 23, 2015. 

We are calling on all of our members to attend these important events. YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

YP! leaders will be attending all of the public meetings.  We intend to promote the importance of programs that build self-advocacy skills and self-determination. We will also share the importance of career focused peer-mentoring programs.

The first public meeting is in Albany this Thursday!

For more information and to view the schedule for these public forums visit: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/state_plan/2016publicmeetingnotice.pdf  

We hope to see YOUth there!
 

 Locally, the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) in Albany County, NY will be kicking off year 6 after being partially refunded by the United States Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).  RAMP provides quality career focused mentoring for youth with disabilities who are involved with or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.  Youth in the program meet weekly with peers and mentors to explore career interests, learn about job options, engage in hands-on learning, participate in leadership opportunities, and take trips to area colleges, work sites, recreational events and more.

Research has shown that quality mentoring relationships can serve a powerful role in providing tools for young people to make responsible decisions, stay engaged in school and avoid risky behaviors such as truancy, drug use, and other negative activities regardless of race and backgrounds in rural, urban and suburban communities.  Additionally, self-assessment and goal setting aspects of RAMP help youth develop skills such as self-reliance, independence, and setting goals that transition into adult life.

On January 15th, National Thank a Mentor Day, YOUTH POWER!'s Mentoring Coordinator thanked and honored individuals who have and continue to serve as mentors for RAMP:   " We extend our most sincere gratitude for your willingness to encourage, guide, educate, and provide a lasting, positive impact on the lives of youth. RAMP wouldn't be what it is without you."

RAMP Mentoring has a profound impact on the youth involved as well as on the surrounding community.  If you are ready to give back and mentor one of many young people waiting for a mentor, contact Mentoring Coordinator Elijah Fagan-Solis at 518-432-0333 or at efagan@youthpowerny.org.

Click this link to view President Obama's proclamation declaring the month of January National Mentoring Month  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/31/presidential-proclamation-national-mentoring-month-2015 

Apply for the 2015 AAPD Summer Internship Program

If you will be living in the Washington, DC area during the 2015 summer and you're a college student, graduate student, law student, or recent graduate (within one year), AAPD's Summer Internship Program provides the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience to help advance your career goals. Interns will receive a stipend, mentor matching, and additional resources during the summer. Candidates interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and veterans with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Applications and information about the application process can be found on our website at: http://www.aapd.com/what-we-do/employment/internship-program/   

 All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by Feburary 6th.

Transgender youth are some of the most discriminated  against youth out there. Being one gender biologically but  identifying as the other can be very difficult socially. One  area that both transgender youth and adults struggle with is  using gender-specific bathrooms and locker rooms. While  transgender people would prefer to use the bathroom of  the gender they identify with, others don't feel comfortable  with them doing so, particularly in schools. Schools all  around the country are holding meetings and debates to  decide if it is appropriate to allow transgender youth to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender they identify with.

Transgender youth have been pushing for their right to use the bathroom and locker room that corresponds to how they feel inside. These youth are not "faking it" nor is being transgender a choice. In addition, transgender youth can be bullied going into the bathroom.  Some transgender youth avoid the bathroom altogher, which can cause health problems. With all of the bullying and struggles these youth go through, many believe they deserve to be where they are most comfortable. Not allowing transgender youth to use the bathroom and locker room facilities they identify with can be considered discrimination, as on the inside the youth is that gender.

Despite many being in support of transgender youth being able to use the school bathroom they identify with many, especially parents, have concerns with it. They feel someone who is biologically a girl going into a boy's bathroom or vice versa will make other students uncomfortable. Outside of the school setting, parents fear that male pedophiles will take advantage of this allowance to go into women's rooms and molest girls.

Policy makers tend to take a side on this issue. Some states have passed legislation that people can use whatever bathroom they feel most comfortable in. Others have passed legislation saying people must use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificate. What do you think: should transgender students be allowed to use the bathroom they identify with? Or do the cons outweigh the pros?

What do YOUth think?

Email mhecker@youthpowerny.org with facts and opinions about the issue.

In only one month, families and youth from all over the state will be attending Legislative Awareness Day. On March 3, 2015 these young people and their families will gather at Albany's Empire State Plaza to meet with legislators (with an appointment), give away awards, listen to speakers about important issues, and network and meet others. There are is a lot you can learn about the legislative process. Take this short quiz to see how much you know already! Answers are at the bottom.

1.    Which of the following is NOT a real position on the President's cabinet?

a.    Secretary of the Interior

b.    Secretary of Energy

c.    Secretary of Disability Affairs

d.    Secretary of Commerce

2.    When the Governor or President refuses to sign a bill and make it a law, it's called a:

a.    Refusalate

b.    Veto

c.    Pass

d.    Turndown

3. If the Governor or President does the above, what has to happen next for the bill to become a law?

a.     Congress must vote on the bill with a 2/3rd Majority

b.    The President/Governor must change his mind

c.    The Supreme Court must override the decision

d.    The Vice President/ Lieutenant Governor must make the decision

4.  A new governor is elected....

a.    Every 3 years

b.    Every 4 years

c.    Every 6 years

d.    Every 5 years

 Answers:

1. C
2. B
3. A
4. B