YAB GAB - ON THE BLOG

By Emily Ball Image of Emily holding diploma wearing a graduation cap & gown When I was in high school, I always aspired to go to college. However, my special ed math teacher suggested I set my sights on being a Wal*Mart greeter instead. Just because I had a bubbly personalit y and used a wheelchair, which was all I amounted to, I wanted to prove her wrong, so I di d. It made me feel embarrassed and I was shocked that an adult, esp ecially a special education teacher coul d say such a horrible statement to a dis abled student. Since being a panelist on many Youth Advisory Board panels over the years, I have had the ability to recount this story to various audiences, but their reaction always had a common thread of shock and horror.   After graduating high school, I was not ready to jump into the traditional courseload of college, so I reluctantly enrolled in Gateway Community College’s Step Forward transition program . Academically, it helped because I was ...

Picture of Maraya outdoors in rose colored flee c e As the school year comes to a close for many of us, I wanted to introduce myself, as well as reflect on how incredible this school year has been, and the many lessons it brought.   My name is Maraya, and I am the new Youth Engagement Coordinator at  CPAC. Being a youth myself, as well as having plenty of lived experience, I am deeply passionate about self-advocacy, youth voice, independence, and empowering others to develop pride in who they are.   Since working for CPAC, I have had some awesome conversations with the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members, and am excited to see what new and exciting things we get into moving forward.   Aside from working at CPAC, I am also currently a student at a CT State Community College. That being said, I can’t help but reflect on all the insightful lessons and experiences this experience has brought my way. This school year has been one full of growth, lessons...