Empowering Our Youth

07/29/2026

2026 Youth Summer Program participants engaged in an activity creating vision boards using magazines donated by community, staff and parents. This activity is being facilitated by Antorius Merritt, Youth IL Specialist.

06/25/2026

DeKalb County families can enjoy a free summer swim day during the Independence Day holiday weekend. DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer free admission for DeKalb County residents on Saturday, July 4. Most pools are open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and families are encouraged to review the county's pool locations, hours, and safety guidelines before visiting.

06/13/2026

Parent Resource Fair sponsored by R.O.A.R Parent Group. Dr. William J
Thomas, Director of Youth IL and P2P programs served on the panel for parent's to ask questions. More pictures to follow.

06/08/2026

Previously Last week We completed the Bridging the Gap Summer Dreamers' Camp! Each youth's journey to success continues as they continue to prepare to take the next steps towards post-secondary education, training, or employment, surrounded by the support of their BTG CIL Peer Supporters, VR Counselors, and Family! We had a total of 46 youth participate in camp this year. We are very proud of each student. Here’s a sneak peak of what some of our DisABILITY LINK students have been up to!

06/05/2026

2026 Empowering Our Youth Summer Program Off to a Great Start
The 2026 Empowering Our Youth Summer Program at disABILITY LINK is off to an exciting and successful start, welcoming a total of 17 participants during its first week. Led by William Thomas, Director of Youth Independent Living (IL) and Pathways-to-Partnerships (P2P) Programs, the program is already making a meaningful impact on the lives of youth participants through education, empowerment, and peer connection.
The week began with engaging discussions centered on the "Who, Why, and How" of Independence and Self-Advocacy. Participants explored the history and significance of the Independent Living Movement and learned about influential disability rights leaders whose advocacy paved the way for greater inclusion and accessibility.
Students were introduced to notable figures including Ed Roberts, widely recognized as the Father of the Independent Living Movement; Judy Heumann, whose lifelong advocacy and work highlighted in Our Fight for Disability Rights inspired generations of disability rights activists; and Constance Baker Motley, the trailblazing federal judge and civil rights leader whose work helped advance equality and justice for countless individuals.
As the week progressed, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations about careers, future goals, and personal interests. These discussions encouraged students to begin exploring career pathways while recognizing the importance of self-determination and independence in achieving their aspirations.
The week concluded with an interactive Peer Support Training facilitated by Linda Pogue, Trainer. Through collaborative activities and discussions, students learned the value of peer support, mentorship, and building positive relationships within their communities.
Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

06/04/2026

EOY SUMMER PROGRAM! Youth are attending! Each day, new participants are arriving! There is still time to join us! Weekly, M-Thurs., 10 am - 2:00 pm. It's been an exciting and fun-filled experience!

06/04/2026

Right now our summer program is going on- here is a throwback of past years:

Here is a video from when the Empowering Our Youth Group attended a documentary screening at the MLK Center in Downtown Atlanta.

This video features the members of disABILITY LINK's Empowering Our...

05/29/2026

FREE summer camp for students with disabilities working on job explorations, self advocacy skills, peer support and more!

We are starting back up at DisABILITY LINK for next week June 1st!!

See you there! :)

05/28/2026

Exciting News!! Our summer program is starting back up next week on June 1st!

The Summer Program helps support learning, interactive activities, workplace readiness, job exploration, peer support, and more!

Our Summer program is open to 2 groups:

Youth ages 10–14
Youth and young adults ages 15–22

Both virtual and in-person options are available.

In-Person Location:
1901 Montreal Road, Suite 102
Tucker, GA 30084

Virtual:

Class ID: 4046878891
Passcode: 1901
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4046878891

We look forward to seeing you there!

05/27/2026

Parent Group happening tomorrow May 28th discussing services and opportunities for youth!!

To join there is a barcode on the first flyer to scan attached to join the meeting for 5:30pm.