Ages 14–24

Youth Hub

EmpowerYOUth gives young people with disabilities the tools, connections, and confidence to lead their own lives. Free to join. No registration required.
Contact: rwagner@disabilityempowerment.net

EmpowerYOUth Group

Monthly meetups at Columbus Library locations + Zoom. Game nights, trivia, independent living skills workshops, budgeting, social skills, time management, and more — in a safe peer environment.

When:
Last Wednesday monthly · 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Where:
Columbus Library Locations + Zoom
Cost:
Free — no registration required
Contact:
Rich Wagner —
rwagner@disabilityempowerment.net Email to Maddy Randolph

Youth Advocacy Lab

"Little a" personal advocacy (doctor's visits, school, daily life) + "Big A" systemic change (legislation, policy, disability rights movements). Practice through roleplay and guided group exercises.

Self-advocacy

Systems change

ADA rights

Leadership

Youth Mentorship Program

A space where young people build confidence, develop life skills, and connect with supportive mentors who share disability experience.

What Youth Mentorship Offers

  • Mentors with shared disability experience
  • Leadership development & community involvement
  • Goal setting, education & employment guidance
  • School-to-adult life transition support
  • Self-advocacy skill building

Enrollment open! Contact Rich Wagner to join or become a youth peer mentor.
rwagner@disabilityempowerment.net

Upcoming EmpowerYOUth Events

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Virtual via Zoom

EmpowerYOUth Trivia Night

Virtual social — test trivia skills, meet peers, connect from wherever you're most comfortable.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 MLK Library

Advocacy Lab: Big A vs. Little A

Our first Advocacy Lab! Learn the difference between systemic change and day-to-day self-advocacy. Practice real skills through roleplay.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍 Northern Lights Library, Meeting Room 3

LGBTQIA+ Pride Workshop

Identity, self-expression, history, advocacy, allyship. Creative activities, real conversations. Come as you are — no pressure to share personal experiences.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Virtual via Zoom

Virtual Movie Night: Out of My Mind

Stream together — Melody Brook, a non-speaking wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, navigating 6th grade.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍 Hilltop Library, Meeting Room 1

Disability Pride & ADA History Workshop

Explore disability rights history, the ADA, and Disability Pride through interactive activities. Centers disabled voices and lived experience.