The 2023 OSEP Leadership and Project Directors' Conference held July 24th - 26th was attended by professionals from state professional development, technical assistance, dissemination, technology, and parent training and information centers. One of the conference plenaries was a discussion by a Youth Impact Panel.
This panel of young adults was introduced by David Cantrell, Deputy Director, OSEP, and associated with the NE-PACT Region A Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
Panelists included:
- Nathan Markley, Information Technology Specialist, RIPIN
- Emily Ball, Youth Educator, CPAC
- Dylan Campbell, Youth Coordinator, MPF
- Julio Vega, Lead Youth Mentor, HUNE.
The panel was moderated by Johan Mora Valverde, SPAN Youth Engagement Coordinator.
The panelists discussed the challenges of living with a disability and how it has affected them, their role in their parent centers, and how being a member of the YLC has benefited them.
The panel received a standing ovation and recognition from OSEP Director, Valerie C. Williams. The panelists would like to recognize the incredible support they received from Carmen Sanchez, Project Officer, OSEP Education Program Specialist and Dawn Monaco, Youth Engagement Program Director, SPAN.
Last week, the OSEP Leadership and Project Directors' Conference in Washington, DC was attended by several SPAN staff members. One of them, Diana Autin, took part in a Policy Panel during the event. See the picture below.
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