Special Education Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
What is the SEYAC?
The SEYAC is designed to increase student involvement in the special education process and to help students develop strong, effective leadership skills in order to make positive changes in their school and community.
Purpose
- Create a space for students with disabilities to share their experiences and increase their capacity to make informed decisions regarding their education;
- Increase awareness about student voice; and
- Inform the Special Education Division Director on issues that are important to students receiving special education services.
Members
SEYAC members include middle and high school students with disabilities throughout the state of Connecticut.
Meeting Information
Schools that sign up will have students meet three times in their district. These meetings include a listening circle and leadership trainings. The fourth meeting will take place off-site for a Youth Summit which brings together all of the students from across the state.
What are students saying?
"Going into high school, I knew school would be challenging with my math learning disability.
However, this all changed the day my teacher invited me to join the Youth Advisory Council. This was a turning point for me. In the training, they displayed the names of Olympic athletes on the smart board; people that everyone knew. What I couldn’t believe is that each athlete she displayed also had a learning disability---just like me." ~Callie
For More Information:
Contact Nicole M. Vitale SERC Consultant, at vitale@ctserc.org or
860-632-1485, ext. 234