Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy Newsletter | |
School's out for the summer! It's time to have some fun, relax, and unwind. At KYEA, we are doing just the opposite... things are in full swing for us! Read all about it below. For this month's issue, we decided to take on a bit more serious topic, but one that is SO important... SAFETY. Safety is very important to our daily living and is always something to keep in mind. There are many ways to stay safe and many of them are covered throughout this newsletter. YOU matter, so please keep yourself safe so you can live a full life! And, while you're at it... have some fun this summer! | |
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KYEA News
We have lots to share with you all this month! KYEA has a new staff member... meet her below. We are also in full KSYLF mode! Delegates have been selected, volunteers are being finalized, and much more. Read all about exciting KYEA happenings below.
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Empower Me! Workshops A Big Success for Another Year
We have wrapped up another season of Empower Me! Workshops with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)! Wow, how a year flies by! This winter and spring were full of travels and logging onto Zoom to bring employment awareness to youth with disabilities across our state. We have had such a blast meeting the youth at these workshops! Below is a recap of our workshops since February:
Stop #38… Fort Scott! We went back to the southeast part of the state for a workshop on February 27. Twenty-four youth from various cities in this area attended and had lots of learning and laughs. This was also the first in-person workshop that our new Director, Shannon, was able to attend and see the impact of these workshops.
| The youth who attended our Empower Me! Workshop in Fort Scott take a photo with KYEA staff. | Stop #39... Wichita! We are frequent flyers of Wichita, and we are thankful for that. Second one of the season… this workshop was attended by 17 awesome, fun youth and was held on March 12. | Participants of the Wichita Empower Me! Workshop gather with KYEA staff for a group photo. | Log On #40… Virtual! We were back to virtual in March for this workshop specifically for youth in western Kansas. This one was held on March 27 and attended by 13 smart, talkative youth. | Screen shot photo of the participants of the virtual Empower Me! Workshop held in March. The youth are on their own Zoom screens. | Stop #41… Overland Park! We ended our in-person workshops with this stop on April 2. What a fun day that we had with 15 youth who were from Overland Park and surrounding cities! | Participants of the Overland Park Empower Me! Workshop gather with KYEA staff for a group photo. | Log On #42... Virtual! Our last workshop of this season was held on April 17. Fifteen youth logged on and were excited to learn about employment! | Screen shot photo of the participants of the virtual Empower Me! Workshop held in April. The youth are on their own Zoom screens. | |
This was a great Pre-ETS season, and we learned a lot from it! As always, a huge thank you to the Pre-ETS staff who work hard to get their youth to these workshops and provide much support to us at the workshops. In total, KYEA brought employment awareness to 173 youth with disabilities across the state this season. And we loved meeting every single youth who participated!
We will take a bit of a break from these workshops for a few months, but will be back at it in the fall. The new season will bring lots of traveling, some virtual sightings, a whole new group of youth, and possibly some new and exciting additions to our Empower Me! program. Stay tuned!
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Kansas Youth Leadership Forum 2024 Delegates Announced!
The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF) is gearing up for its 23rd annual program. Thirty-one motivated young leaders have been selected to attend the 2024 forum. This year's KSYLF will be held July 15 - 20 at Washburn University in Topeka.
Throughout the week of the KSYLF, delegates will learn what leadership means in their life. They will also learn about how to write and successfully achieve goals. Delegates will be exposed to community resources and leaders that can help them achieve these goals. They will be encouraged to celebrate their disabilities, use their voice to advocate for their wants and needs, and create their own future. A diverse group of delegates were selected to attend the 2024 KSYLF, including students from a variety of cities in Kansas with a wide range of disabilities.
The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its 23rd year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment! Through various large and small sessions, delegates are able to learn about and explore various topics related to leadership. They are able to set goals for the future and develop their very own Personal Leadership Plan. A trip to the Capital is always a highlight of the week, as well as a mentor luncheon where delegates are paired with an adult mentor from their community. Other fun activities include a recreation session, a real life fair, a barbecue, a talent show, and a dance!
Read the full press release for a list of selected delegates
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KYEA Seeking Award Nominations
We are still seeking nominations for our three annual KYEA awards. Consider nominating someone that you know! Nominations are due by JUNE 14! Check out the awards below:
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JUSTIN COSCO AWARD
This is given out to a KSYLF alumni who has demonstrated progress toward their goals and growth as a leader. Alumni can either nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Learn more
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MENTORING MATTERS AWARD
This award is given to individuals in our state who have made a difference serving as a mentor to a youth with a disability. This could include one-on-one mentoring, job shadowing, group mentoring, or e-mentoring. Learn more
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SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD
This award is for champions of young people with disabilities in our state... they promote the contributions of youth and have a passion for empowering our next generation. Examples could include being a volunteer at KYEA, involvement in another youth program, actively sharing a message, etc. Learn more
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Congratulations Graduates!!
Congratulations to all of our alumni, volunteers, friends, and supporters who have recently graduated! You have worked hard to get to where you are at right now. You should be proud! The future is YOURS!
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Meet Our Newest Staff Member! | |
Jen Van Dalsem
Program Coordinator
How have you been involved with KYEA in the past?
I believe it was 2019 when I first met KYEA through a community presentation. I was so excited to hear the KYEA mission, I immediately asked how I could be part of such a wonderful organization and became a volunteer. By 2020, I joined the KYEA Board and enjoyed serving as Board Secretary for four years. I then resigned from the Board and began my employment at KYEA nine weeks ago. It’s been interesting to see the organization first as a community volunteer, then as a Board member, and now as a staff person. I believe utilizing all three of these experiences gives me a unique perspective to serve at KYEA.
What are your disabilities?
I was born with a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I have the hypermobile type, which means I can do some pretty cool party tricks like put my hands in prayer position behind my back between my shoulder blades. A common co-condition is Chiari Malformation, where the base of my brain sinks too low into the spinal column. Additionally, I have some autoimmune arthritis, lung, and liver disease.
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
1. Creative liberties – I will sometimes take creative liberties with instructions. This character trait can be seen in areas of my life like cooking (recipes are just suggestions), crafting (I’m always wanting to try my own thing), and ignoring GPS instructions when I think I know better. Sometimes these creative liberties work out, sometimes I realize following directions can be a better plan.
2. Laughing – I LOVE to laugh and will seek it out often. Did you know laughing can bring health benefits too?
3. Committed – Whether we are talking about family, friends, my job, or a volunteer role, I am devoted to do my best to serve both people and projects. I am an “all in” individual and will work hard to serve for the long term.
What has been your favorite thing about your job so far?
After being home with my family for 20 years, I feel so very proud to return to the office and to employment. Being home with my family was a choice that was very positive, and I enjoyed those years. However, I missed working and feel like this is the right time to return to the office. I can’t believe that I get to work with people that I care for deeply, for our youth that are a vital part of our community, and for a mission that am passionate about.
What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
In the last few years, I had a counselor tell me that I am not very self-aware. While we both laughed at her comment in the moment, her comment has stuck with me because I knew her comment was true. I spent many years ignoring emotional and physical issues, often feeling my ability to self-ignore was a good quality and enabled me to get more things accomplished. In these last few years, I have made a change to listen to myself better, to learn to check in with myself, and to be better at self-care. It has taken time and planned purposeful practice, and I still have a lot of learning to do in this area, but I am proud this is something I am actively working to improve.
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Volunteers Needed for 2024 KS Youth Leadership Forum
The 2024 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is right around the corner! We need a few more volunteers to help out for the week! Do you like working with high school students with disabilities? Do you have the skills and passion to facilitate groups and motivate young adults with disabilities? Then we need you!
We seek committed, enthusiastic people who are willing to devote a week to this great program. Yes, we realize that a week is a big commitment, but you will not regret it, we promise! Just ask any of our past volunteers who have been changed by this program.
The 2024 KSYLF will be held on July 15-20 at Washburn University in Topeka. Volunteers can be KSYLF alumni, past volunteers, or anyone in our state who is over age 18. We need to finalize volunteers soon, so please apply ASAP if interested.
Print a volunteer application
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Want to Help with the KSYLF?
If you have a desire to help with this year's Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, then we've got many options for you! From helping with prep work to donating items; from helping take supplies to Washburn to serving as a mentor, we can use all the help we can get!
Here are the many ways that you can help us:
- Volunteer your time to help us prep for the week. This could involve mailings, putting backpacks or manuals together, data entry, picking up donations, making phone calls, etc.
- Volunteer your time during the week of YLF (help transfer totes to/from Washburn, help set up Mentor Luncheon, provide transportation for a delegate, pick up meal donations, etc.)
- Help us find sponsorships or donate yourself!
- Help us find donated goodies for the delegate backpacks, dance prizes, group totes, etc. Get us connected with a store owner that you know or donate goodies yourself!
- Serve as a mentor. If you can't commit the whole week, we might be able to use you as a mentor!
- Spread the word about this program and our organization- everyone needs to know about KYEA!
- Think good thoughts the week of July 15-20! We will take any positive vibes coming our way :).
Contact us at 785-215-6655 or carrieg@kyea.org to find out more about these opportunities! If you want to help, we can find a spot for you!
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Join Us for our Speak Up! Youth Listening Sessions
Youth with disabilities in Kansas- We need your feedback! KYEA will soon be working on a plan that will guide our organization in the coming years. We will be hosting two more Speak Up! Youth Listening Sessions to get information from those that we serve to help shape this plan. Would you like to provide us information that will help shape the future of KYEA? We want to hear your likes, dislikes, needs, and how WE can better support YOUth. Your thoughts and ideas will directly shape how KYEA empowers youth with disabilities moving forward.
We will have two more options for sessions, and you only need to attend one- you can pick in person or virtual. Here are the dates:
Thursday, June 13
5:00-7:00 pm
Open House at KYEA office in Topeka- 2220 SE 29th St., Suite B
Sunday, August 4
2:00-3:00 pm
Virtual on Zoom- check our Facebook soon for the link
If you are a youth, we hope that you will join us at one of these sessions. Invite your friends with disabilities too! We truly want to hear your thoughts and feedback! It WILL make a difference to the future of KYEA!
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Spotlight On: Hobbies with a Purpose
Charlie Bethay (Prairie Village)
by Dallas Hathaway, Faces Alumni '16 and KYEA Board President
When it comes to safety, self-defense can have many important benefits. Learning self-defense techniques can help one build confidence, improve focus, develop skills, and improve physical health.
Charlie Bethay, 2022 KSYLF alumni, lives in Prairie Village. He currently studies at Johnson County Community College. Charlie has a visual impairment. For the last year, Charlie has focused on training in jiu-jitsu. According to Charlie, jiu-jitsu is a martial arts form style of fighting which is primarily ground focused.
“You’re trying to put your opponent into submission,” Charlie said. “You can do this with moves like an arm bar or a choke hold.”
Regarding the specifics about what you can learn while practicing jiu-jitsu, Charlie discussed how there are many different practice areas, depending on what is learned during a particular session. He has studied specific defense skills, including what to do if someone grabs him on the street, attacks with a knife or other weapon, and even how to disarm someone who is carrying a weapon.
“I have learned that, even if someone is smaller, they can still defend themselves,” Charlie said.
Regarding how his disability plays into the practice, Charlie said he does not have specific accommodations, but the instructor does a good job of voicing what is happening in the room. He is also sometimes paired up with the instructor or someone with more experience.
For those who are curious about starting jiu-jitsu or another self-defense practice, “the hardest part is starting,” he said. “All you have to do is take that first step.”
In his free time, Charlie enjoys riding his tandem bike, reading, playing the piano, and listening to music. In the future, Charlie hopes to go into law or forensic accounting, but he is currently undecided.
If you are curious about learning more about self-defense or martial arts, Charlie suggests searching for an instructor in your area. I want to thank Charlie again for taking the time to share his story with me. His insight can show others that safety and security are paramount to an individual’s overall well being.
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Setting Boundaries in Relationships
How Knowing Your Limits and Voicing Them Can Keep You Safe
by Kirstianna Guerrero, KSYLF '18 and Faces '20 Alumna, KYEA Program Coordinator
Have you ever heard the phrase “That crossed a line!"? Well, that line represents a boundary. Let’s take a deeper look into what that means.
I’ve heard that you need to set boundaries to have healthy relationships, but I didn’t fully understand what that looked like. It was just a confusing concept to me. The need for boundaries finally made sense after my first experience using a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) on a work trip. I carefully communicated my needs beforehand, but all throughout it, they repeatedly would “help” me in the way they thought was best and wouldn’t listen when I asked them to stop or do it differently. This led to situations where I felt uncomfortable and powerless. That experience laid the foundation of understanding why, when, and how I need to set boundaries to be the happiest and most successful me I can be. So, here’s what I learned:
Setting boundaries is an important step to take in any relationship, and I mean any relationship! Friendships, Romantic Partners, Coworkers, Teachers, Classmates, Family, etc.
If someone is doing something that makes you uncomfortable, you can set a boundary, no matter how big or little that thing may seem. Things like calling you by a nickname they made up for you, assuming what you’d want to eat so they order without asking you, giving you a hug every time they see you, or “borrowing” something of yours without permission. You can draw the line on something someone does with their actions or their words. It can be something they’ve done once or over and over again. It is never too early or too late to set a boundary.
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The Power of Observation
Meeting New People Safely as a Person with a Disability
by Ashlee Thao, KSYLF '18 and Faces '20 Alumna
Several people walk into a coffee shop that has two levels. The first person to walk in is a woman who might be in her mid-thirties, carrying a messenger bag which she plops down on a couch in the shop’s main seating area. She then orders herself a plain Americano with an extra shot of espresso, browses through some of the items on sale from the local vendors in a display area, selects a few items, picks up her bag off the couch, and heads upstairs to find seating elsewhere. She is followed by two Caucasian girls who look like they could be in high school or maybe just graduated with purses on their shoulders with rhinestone designs. Someone observing them might hear the jingle of coins as they fish around for money inside them to ensure they have enough for what they want to order. One of the girls orders a matcha latte, the other orders a coffee drink with almond milk, caramel syrup, and some sweetener. While they wait, they stop at a claw machine by the door to look at a few plushies and anime figures that they want to try and get, including one that’s related to Hello Kitty. One of the girls sniffs a lot and constantly dabs at her eyes with napkins that she gets from a dispenser nearby. After getting their coffees, trying to get something from the claw machine, and purchasing a few items from the local vendors, they leave. They are then followed by a quiet young man in his mid to late thirties who orders plain drip coffee and heads upstairs where a reservation for a group of people has already been made.
As you read this, how would you profile these people? Which people would you want to talk to first? Which people would you avoid? What kinds of things would you discuss with the people you decided to make conversation with, and how would you go about it? These are all questions we will attempt to answer as we explore meeting new people and how to do so safely.
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Safety is Not Just In Person... It's Online Too! Here Are a Few Tips...
"Teens Heath: Online Safety"
*obtained from Nemours TeensHealth
How could we live without our smartphones, laptops, and other devices that allow us to go online? That's how most of us keep in touch with friends and family, take pictures, do our homework, do research, find out the latest news, and shop.
But besides the millions of sites to visit and things to do, going online offers lots of ways to waste time — and even get into trouble. But some people you meet online might try to take advantage of you, steal your personal information, or harass or threaten you (called cyberbullying).
You might know people who got into trouble for something they did online — whether it was sexting, bullying on a website or message app, or getting ripped off by someone they met online.
Because users can remain anonymous, popular websites and messaging apps might attract adults who pretend to be teens or kids. They'll sometimes ask visitors for pictures or information about themselves, their families, or where they live — information that shouldn't be given away.
Usually, people who ask for personal information like home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses use this information to fill mailboxes and answering machines with ads. In some cases, though, predators use it to begin illegal or indecent relationships or to harm a person or family.
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Independence = Responsibility
Want to be independent? Don't forget about safety!
by Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
When I first moved out on my own four years ago, I knew that there was going to come lots of new responsibility with that. But, I did not realize just how many things that I would now have to think about as a person with a disability living on my own. One of those things, that I hadn’t thought as much about before, is safety. Do you want to be independent? Of course you do… we all do! Everyone should have independence, but, with independence, comes some new responsibilities. One of the biggest is your safety.
Independence comes in a lot of shapes and sizes. It can mean living on your own or living with some friends. It can mean going to the grocery store or a coffee shop by yourself. It can even mean just taking a walk by yourself down the street. All of these things are awesome, and I encourage them fully! BUT, in doing any of these things, you must have safety in the back of your mind at all times... especially as a person with a disability. In some situations, you will want safety to be in the front of your mind. The more you are in the world, the more you have to be aware of the good and bad parts of the world. This is not me being negative, it’s just the reality of life.
So, be independent! But, while you are doing that, think about ways that you can keep yourself safe. This newsletter is chock full of tips, experiences, and resources. Here are a few more things to consider when you are out there living your life and being independent:
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What If I Feel Unsafe? What Are My Options? | |
This newsletter would not be complete without some direction on what to do if you ever feel unsafe in a situation. It could happen, so it is good to be aware of what your next step should be.
Your next step will definitely depend on the situation, and you may have to make a quick decision on what to do. Here are some basic options for what to do if you feel unsafe:
- Get out of the situation. This really should be the first step if at all possible. If you feel unsafe, leave your current location.
- Ask for help from someone that you trust. If the situation is happening in that moment, ask for help from another person around you if it seems safe to do so. This might even mean asking for help from a stranger.
- Just say NO. It is always okay to say no. You NEVER have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Call 911 or go to the police. Obviously, this would not be the answer in every situation, but, if there is an emergency, or you can’t get out of the situation on your own, then this should be your next step.
- Protect yourself in whatever safe, legal way that you can. If you are being hurt and need to protect yourself, there are lots of ways to do that. Use that mace spray in your purse or pull out those self-defense skills that you have been taught!
- Use community resources. There are lots of resources in YOUR community to help you deal with, and get out of, unsafe situations. From hotlines to domestic violence centers to support groups… they are here to help you. See related articles in this newsletter.
You deserve to be happy, healthy, safe, and respected. And you can use any of the steps above to get you there!
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Making a Plan for Safety
One young adult shares her steps for mental health safety
by Whit Downing, Faces alumna '17, KYEA Board Member
Hello! My name is Whit, and I am a lover of all things rubiks cubes. I have a blast playing with my kitten, and I am passionate about mental health advocacy! I enjoy being with my family, listening to music, and writing. I felt intensely happy about writing for this newsletter because the topic of safety is actually something that I am personally committed to.
In addition to being autistic, I also struggle with depression, survived a suicide attempt in 2022, and still occasionally experience thoughts of suicide. I talk openly about my struggles because I want other people, especially those who are silent about what they are going through, to know that they are not alone. While I face challenges daily, I am SO thankful to be alive! I want to live a full life that has meaning and purpose! :)
I made a promise to always be here tomorrow, until my natural end, and to never die by suicide. In order to keep that promise, I’ve had to put support in place to help myself stay alive when it feels like there is a war happening in my brain. It’s like part of me wants to die, while most of me wants to live, or vice versa.
Here are a few things that help me to stay safe:
1. I go to therapy. My therapist helps me understand my emotions. She actively listens to me, and she helps me come up with plans to stay safe when I am having thoughts of suicide.
2. I created a mental health safety plan. Having a safety plan doesn’t mean that you are waiting on a crisis to happen, but it DOES mean that you’ll be prepared IF you have a mental health crisis like thoughts of suicide. Learn more about safety plans
3. I call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when I feel like I need to talk to someone or need help staying safe.
These are the things that help me. It’s important to find what helps you. I encourage everyone, though, to have a mental health safety plan. To me, having a safety plan is just as important as knowing to stop, drop, and roll during a fire.
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Who Can You Call?
If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, there are plenty of people who want to help! Below is is a list of hotlines and lifelines that can provide support in challenging times and times of crisis:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text – 988
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Text “Friend” to 62640 or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to immediately connect with a HelpLine Specialist trained to provide resources, information, and support.
YouthLine
Text “teen2teen” to 839863 or call 1-877-968-8491
Provides a safe space for youth and adults aged 11 to 21 to talk through various issues, including eating disorders, relationship concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, and more.
Boys Town National Hotline
1.800.448.3000
Crisis and support line for youth and their parents, 24/7 and Spanish available.
Childhelp
1.800.4ACHILD
Provides 24/7 assistance in 170 languages to adults and youth with information and questions regarding child abuse. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
National Runaway Safeline
1.800.RUNAWAY
Crisis line for youth thinking about running away, for youth already on the run and for adults worried about a runaway. 24/7 help available.
Loveisrespect.org
1.800.331.9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
Peer advocates available 24/7 to support teens with concerns about dating violence.
Trevor Project
1.866.488.7386
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
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Community Power!
Highlighting helpful resources throughout the state
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
by Michaela VanDuesen, KSYLF Alumna '17
Self-advocacy is something that KYEA strives to teach and encourage in youth with disabilities. The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) is an agency for all to use their voice or get support for themselves… they empower people like KYEA does, just in a different way. They especially want people with disabilities to be empowered. I spoke with Jami Clark, the Disabilities Project Coordinator with KCSDV, who coordinates and collaborates with the Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) as part of her job.
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The Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) Conference is back! You won't want to miss this exciting gathering of people with disabilities in our state! This year's theme is "Reach for the Stars!" Self-advocates from all across Kansas come together to hear keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions on issues that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it! The Conference will be on July 5-7 and it will be held in downtown Wichita again this year. Learn more and register
Would you like to learn more about ABLE accounts? The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, and the Kansas Dept. for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are coming to a community near YOU! This summer, they will be traveling across Kansas to share information about ABLE accounts, a financial tool that can help families and individuals with IDD save for the future without losing essential services, such as SSI and Medicaid. You could even be awarded some funds to go towards your ABLE account! Find out when and where a roadshow will be near you
Are you a woman with ADHD? Would you like to connect with other females with your disability? ADHDKC has brought back their Women's Support Group! The group aims to provide a nurturing space for women navigating ADHD. Learn more
If you want to know about the process of buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle, then this webinar is for you! Navigating the world of mobility can be overwhelming, but don't worry – United Access is here to help. Join their panel of experts as they provide advice, insights, and tips on all things related to purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned pro or completely new to this, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision. This Map to Mobility webinar will be held on June 27 at 3:00 pm. Register to attend
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Thank you for reading our newsletter!
Look for our next issue in September!
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