The Amputee Coalition is launching a Youth Engagement Program (YEP) to support the estimated 25,000-70,000 people under 18 living with limb loss and limb difference. The program will focus on providing support, resources, and creating a community for youth and teens ages ten to 17.
For youth and teens growing up with limb differences, finding access to resources and a community of their peers can be particularly challenging, which led to development of the program. YEP will advance the organization’s youth outreach beyond the annual Youth Camp and find new ways to engage African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ youth and teens with limb loss or limb difference.
YEP will include a flagship app launching in early 2023 and will offer resources and programming in key areas of importance, including life skills resources, education and training, Youth Camp, workforce development, and mentorship.
“We wanted to take a holistic approach to support young people under 18, and to create a space where they can be who they are and feel a sense of belonging,” said Alicia Straughter, PhD, vice president of human resources, diversity, and inclusion, and YEP.
The life skills programming will foster everyday independence and help participants identify discrimination and speak up for themselves. Education and training resources will arm advocacy volunteers with targeted training about issues facing the limb loss and limb difference community, policy priorities, and skills to be effective advocates. The workforce development program includes resources, webinars, and more to help teens with things like resumé and cover letter writing and mock interviews, along with resources for employers on how to diversify their workplace.
“We are building this program for them as a place where they know they can feel comfortable. Our efforts are focused on building everything from the ground up around what they want, need, and with their involvement in the initial development,” Straughter said.
At launch, YEP will be targeted to youth from ten to 17, with the goal of expanding to include young adults 18 to 25 in the near future.
