Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center — Partners in Academic Leadership

Project Goal
Provide specialized self-advocacy training to youth with developmental disabilities (DD) that supports their self-determination and fosters meaningful participation in planning their education

Project Summary
Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center seeks to create a culture in local schools where students with DD can actively participate in planning their present and future education to achieve greater autonomy and post-secondary educational success.

This project:

• supports participants in developing knowledge and skills in ways that support self-advocacy;
• engages and trains participants so they can meaningfully participate in their admission, review, and dismissal processes; and
• enhances participants’ ability to engage in broader advocacy and awareness.
    

Through leadership development and advocacy training for youth self-advocates, TCDD funds opportunities for youth with DD to develop as leaders and advocates for themselves and their peers. These projects generally include participants 14-21 years old, and projects can use existing training resources or develop unique programs based on local or organizational needs.