{"id":235,"date":"2026-07-23T17:46:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T17:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indiancountrygrassroots.org\/nfv\/?p=235"},"modified":"2026-07-23T19:39:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:39:08","slug":"empowering-youth-through-their-own-voices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indiancountrygrassroots.org\/nfv\/empowering-youth-through-their-own-voices\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Youth Through Their Own Voices (RAISE)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tara Lynn Tsosie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 20, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 20, 2026, I attended Day 2 of the RAISE Summit virtually through Zoom. The theme of the day was \u201cEmpowering Youth Engagement: Innovation, Tools, and Youth Voice.\u201d The sessions focused on the importance of listening to young people, supporting their goals, improving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and transition services, using technology to expand opportunities, and making information more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RAISE Summit is designed to connect disability organizations, Parent Centers, and partners to share strategies for improving youth engagement and transition services.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the presentations that stood out to me was \u201cWhat Youth Want Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Professionals to Know.\u201d I found this session especially meaningful because it focused on recommendations developed by youth themselves through the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI). It reminded me that young people are experts in their own lives and should have an active role in making decisions about their education, employment, and future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One important message from the presentation was the need to build trusting relationships with youth before focusing on paperwork, eligibility, or services. Professionals should take the time to learn about a young person\u2019s interests, strengths, and goals. This stood out to me because sometimes young people may feel overwhelmed when meeting with professionals and being asked questions about their future. Building trust first can help youth feel more comfortable and willing to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The training also emphasized the importance of clear and accessible communication. Professionals should avoid using confusing language and acronyms without explaining what they mean. Youth should understand what is happening, what services are available, and what their next steps are. I believe this is important for all families, especially those who may already feel overwhelmed when navigating different systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another takeaway was the importance of self-determination and youth voice. Young people should be encouraged to make informed choices and explore careers that connect to their interests and strengths. They should also be given time to think about important decisions rather than feeling pressured to immediately know what they want to do with their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presentation encouraged professionals to focus on a young person\u2019s strengths instead of their limitations. This really stood out to me because it is easy for systems to focus on what a person cannot do or what challenges they have. However, every young person has abilities, talents, interests, and accomplishments that should be recognized. Helping youth identify their strengths can give them more confidence as they prepare for employment and adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The training also discussed making career planning meaningful by connecting it to each young person\u2019s vision for their future. Career exploration should include hands-on experiences and real-world opportunities whenever possible. Young people should also have the opportunity to revisit their goals as they grow and discover new interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I listened to this presentation, I thought about the youth and families in rural and tribal communities. Many young people may not have the same access to career exploration, work-based learning, or vocational services as youth in larger communities. Distance, transportation, limited employment opportunities, and a lack of local resources can create barriers. Because of this, it is important to find creative ways to connect youth with opportunities and ensure that their voices are included when programs are developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The YETI VR presentation also helped me think about how technology can create new opportunities for youth engagement. Virtual reality and other technology-based tools may provide young people with opportunities to explore careers and experiences that may not be available in their own communities. For youth living in rural areas, technology could be one way to help expand access to career exploration and vocational rehabilitation services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another session focused on new accessibility tools, including Canva and other technology. This reminded me that accessibility should be considered whenever we create information for the public. Whether we are creating flyers, presentations, educational materials, or online resources, we should think about how people with different abilities and learning styles will access that information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially important when working with youth and families with disabilities. Information should be easy to understand, visually engaging, and available in accessible formats. Technology can help organizations communicate more effectively and create resources that are easier for people to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of my biggest takeaways from the summit was that youth engagement should be more than simply asking young people for their opinions. Young people should be included as active participants in planning and decision-making. Professionals should speak directly to youth, listen to their ideas, and make sure they understand what decisions are being made and what their next steps are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resources and tools that I found valuable from this training include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n