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Hello everybody. We are the Lawson family from Leavenworth, Kansas. We have eight children - four boys and four girls: Romeo 18; AshaLetia 16; Rynesha 15; William 10; Evelyn-Grace 9; Jacob 8; Gabriella 6; and Nicholas 4. I have five kids that are either currently being served by IEP’s or have been in the past. It wasn’t until Gabriella was diagnosed with autism that I really got involved in any kind of events for parents. When I did, I was going to all the events I could in order to get more education about my rights and responsibilities as a parent of a child with a disability. I got involved with Head Start and Early Head Start and went to a state parent meeting that was held in Topeka. I made sure I went. One of the sessions I attended was about the special education process, taught by Lesli Girard. She gave some very good and helpful information and she also talked about Families Together and what they did. That year I signed up for my first, but not last, Family Enrichment Weekend. We had so much fun and received so much knowledge all at the same time. One day I was looking at Gabriella and was inspired to write this poem:
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Gabriella
when i look in your face i see beauty
Copyright ©2007 Cherrita Nichole Lawson |
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... continued from page 1 Youth Leadership Forum
Notable speakers included Becky Wolfe, from Leadership Butler; Ranita Wilks, from Independence Inc. and Ms. Wheelchair Kansas; and Ami Hyten and Ian Kuenzi, from Topeka Independent Living Resource Center. Speakers touched on topics such as leadership, disability awareness, disability heritage, activism, goal setting, advocacy, and assertiveness. The delegates were able to enjoy the yearly activities of a barbecue, talent show, and dance. They also debated a mock bill that centered on including a week of disability history in every school curriculum in the state. This bill, which has been passed in various states, was debated by all of the youth in the Senate Chambers of the State Capital. The wheelchair basketball demonstration and “Real Life Affair” both returned for a second year. The “Real Life Affair” and Resource Fair provided the delegates with community resources to survive in the “real world.”
One of the highlights of the week was the mentor luncheon where students were paired with a mentor from their city who had a similar career interest. This year’s luncheon speaker was LeDerick Horne, motivational speaker, poet, and owner of Horne & Associates in New Jersey. LeDerick shared his story of growing up with a learning disability and encouraged attendees to reach beyond the label that they are given. Other notable guests included Senator Vicki Schmidt, who provided guidance in the Senate Chambers and made opening remarks at the mentor luncheon. The “Justin Cosco Scholarship Award” (formerly Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year award) was given out during the luncheon as well. The award was presented to Daniel Jayne, 2006 KSYLF Alumni.
The theme for the 2007 KSYLF was, “One voice can be heard. One group can make an impact. One community can change the world!” All participants learned in the power of ONE. By week’s end, delegates had shared their voice and learned to work with a group to make a statement. They came away from KSYLF knowing that as one unified community, they really can change the world!
As one KSYLF ends, preparations for a new year begin. The dates have been set for the 2008 Youth Leadership Forum. The 8th annual Forum will be held June 17-21, 2008 at Washburn University in Topeka. Applications and further information will be sent out in the coming months. If you know of a junior or senior in high school who has a disability and has demonstrated leadership potential, please contact Julia Fonseca at 866.577.5932 or via email at juliaf@kyea.org. More information can also be found on the KYEA website at www.kyea.org. |
