YELL provides a curriculum-based program focused on developing advocacy skills, disability identity/pride, and leadership skills, and addresses the impact of ableism, and internalized ableism.

Alongside this experience, it assists faculty/staff/ service providers in building capacity for inclusion in their area of influence

Facilitated by people with disabilities with an emphasis on youth-led advocacy projects focused on building more inclusive communities

The goals of YELL are to develop youth leaders, foster inclusive practices for schools/organizations, empower youth, and to create opportunities for community engagement in learning about the multiple benefits of inclusion and integrated community supports for all. Youth with and without disabilities receive the tools they need to create social change in their schools, organizations (and larger communities) related to inclusion.

Process evaluation was conducted to assist in reining the curriculum and assessing participant satisfaction and self-reported growth and learning.

During this year, the project did occur in schools but is not a school-based program. Two suburban schools were included in this project during this reporting year and was done face to face until the pandemic.

To sustain the program, YELL Ambassadors, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be trained to deliver the curriculum to organizations with whom they have a connection or via connections made between MDRC and MSU.