Everyone is finally back home and catching up on sleep, which means another incredible YLF is officially in the books. This past week, young adults with disabilities from all over Massachusetts came together to talk about leadership, build community, and honestly, just have a blast. Whether you missed out or just want to relive it, here are the biggest highlights from the week.
This year’s Boston session was held at Emerson College from June 25 through June 29. Throughout the week participants heard from keynote speakers, attended workshops, connected with peers, and built leadership skills!
Day 1
The forum opened with leadership training and orientation for Peer Leaders, Partner Organizations, and Alumni Staff Captains. After checking in and getting settled, Peer Leaders and Staff Captains watched and discussed the documentary “Deaf President Now,” and prepared to welcome and support delegate’s arrival.
Day 2
The big day arrived for the delegates! After checking in and settling into their dorms, delegates jumped into getting to know one another through icebreakers and team-building games. Once everyone enjoyed lunch in the Emerson cafeteria, the excitement continued as delegates gathered for one of the day’s biggest moments—an inspiring keynote presentation from Lachi. It was the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable week. Lachi is a recording artist, author of “I Identify as Blind”, disability advocate, culture icon, producer of a GRAMMY-nominated album, and CEO of RAMPD. Lachi walked out to an enthusiastic applause. She spoke of disability justice, the power of speaking out, and the importance of embracing disability culture.
After Lachi’s powerful keynote speech, the first workshop sessions began. The workshops covered a variety of topics, such as advocacy, disability pride, and independent living.
Day 3
Day 3 began with some hands-on workshops such as Flamenco dancing and a cooking lesson, courtesy of Haley House.
Participants also had opportunities for relaxation and fun with yoga lessons, team-building games, and even playing video games with each other!
Self-care was a large theme across the workshops. One workshop focused on creating a homemade heating pad by filling a sock with rice!
Day 4
The day was filled with more hands-on workshops including planting succulents, which Rooting for You generously provided, and an Art Jam workshop where participants practiced instruments such as the guitar, maracas, and other percussion instruments. Some participants even started a freestyle dance party!
Speaking of dancing, participants got ready in the afternoon to attend the beloved YLF dance, a time for participants to come together to celebrate their achievements throughout the week and to connect with both old and new friends.
Day 5
YLF Boston came to an end with the participants packing up their belongings and getting ready to leave the campus after an unforgettable week. The final morning focused on a Mentor Mixer, which was an opportunity to meet and network with employers specialized in a variety of careers. Participants asked questions about disability advocacy, workplace accommodations, and interview tips.
To wrap up the week, participants, staff, and families gathered for the closing ceremony. Carol Murray, Youth Leadership Manager, reflected on the incredible week, thanked everyone who helped make YLF Boston possible, and celebrated the growth, leadership, and accomplishments of this year’s participants. It was a meaningful sendoff to a week filled with new friendships, confidence, and possibility. After the slideshow recapping the event was shown, participants gradually departed with their families, carrying a week’s worth of new experiences, leadership skills, and friends.
As one first-time participant remarked,
“I had the best time this week. I learned so many new skills. I was really nervous at first, but I did it. I can’t wait to go back to my job and tell everyone about my time here!”
Congratulations to all the participants of YLF Boston!
