“I’ve been involved in Kids as Self Advocates (KASA) since I was fifteen, beginning as a young, new board member, and making my way up to being co-chair. KASA was my first real exposure to national advocacy, and helped me understand how disability rights impacts the country and the world. KASA exposed me to the wide world outside of my hometown in Wisconsin, it was one of the first organizations in which I was able to have a leadership role, one of the first organizations in which I felt I was heard. I’d tried to run for leadership roles in High School, but didn’t really understand how to express myself, nor work in a team.

KASA has helped me improve my teamwork skills and my public speaking skills, and taught me about my rights as a person with a disability. I was able to take this knowledge to Pakistan, and start a non-profit project that aids young people with disabilities in Pakistan, helping them learn their rights. I also got to visit Washington DC, and got my first taste of our nation’s capital, where I have now worked twice. KASA gave me my initial opportunity, and I want to share that experience with others. I also want to share a piece of advice for young leaders with disabilities. Have confidence, and believe that you can do it. A disability shouldn’t ever stop you from doing what you want, always look for a way to do what you want. Also, you will make mistakes, and that’s okay. Mistakes are a great way to learn, not something to be disappointed about.”

-Hamza’s story about his involvement with KASA, a Family Voices project

Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilities- National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth 

Alexa giving Senator Harkin an award for his leadership.

Learning to Lead: A Self-Assessment for Youth- National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth

Speak Up! Action Manual for Peer Leader Teams- Acting for Advocacy

A Guide to Legislative Advocacy for Youth with Disabilities- National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth

The Road to Work: The Speak-Up Action Manual on Finding and Keeping Work- Youths 4 Advocacy 

Secondary Transition Toolkit- Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network

Secondary Health Care Transition Toolkit- Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network

Transition Health Care Checklist: Transition to Adult Living in Pennsylvania- Pennsylvania Department of Health