TCDD Seeks Youth Ambassadors
Participate in our Program with The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) is honored to announce our selection for the national Community of Practice with The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice (CYVYC). TCDD was chosen alongside Texas Advocates, Diverse Ability Incorporated, and Disability Rights California to join eight states working with CYVYC to promote alternatives to guardianship for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (DD).
Under a 5-year grant from the U.S. Administration on Community Living, CYVYC will provide extensive technical assistance as we promote alternatives to guardianship for young adults with DD. The Community of Practice, a collective of 11 states working with CYVYC, fosters a rich dialogue around best practices, supports long-term change, and centers the voices of youth leaders in its work. TCDD will partner with Texas Advocates and will be co-led by a youth ambassador with DD. Together, we will work to create lasting systemic reform in Texas and support youth ambassadors to be leaders for change. You can read the full CYVYC press release here.
Become a Youth Ambassador
TCDD and Texas Advocates are seeking four youth ambassadors to join our Texas team! The youth ambassadors will work closely with our partners to help teach people about supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship. To be eligible, candidates must:
- be between the ages of 14 to 26 years old;
- identify as a person with an intellectual or developmental disability;
- want to learn more about alternatives to guardianship; and
- live in Texas.
The youth ambassadors will receive comprehensive training on various topics, including leadership, self-advocacy, and guardianship alternatives. They will make action plans to share what they have learned with their community and create a report to document their experiences. Youth ambassadors will complete a 13-week virtual training and receive a stipend of $750 for their participation.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving as a Youth Ambassador for our Texas team, apply online today at bit.ly/TCDDYouthAmbassador (the form has been taken down). For more information, please contact Brianna TenBrink at brianna.tenbrink@tcdd.texas.gov or 512-569-2598. Applications will be accepted until June 20, 2023.
To spread the word about this opportunity, TCDD has created an informational flyer (PDF) that you can share with your personal network.
