Who are we?
I.Lead is a disabled youth movement led by youth, for youth. We aim to amplify the voices of disabled youth on any platform, at any table.
I.Lead started as the FIRST EVER Disabled Youth Conference in 2019, held in the Parliamentary Building in Wellington. Since then, it has evolved into a full-blown social change movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities, while also upskilling them both personally and professionally to allow them to do the same for their peers.
On top of bi-annual conferences, we also provide workshops and opportunities for youth to not only have their voices heard, but to also gain skills in networking, communications and other essential skill sets that ready them for further employment, either with us, helping to run one of our many workshops and projects, or into other areas of interest.
Our bottom line – we provide a platform that holistically supports disabled youth to not only lead meaningful, fulfilling lives, but also speak out on how things can be made better!
The Conference
The I.Lead Conference is a platform for disabled youth from across New Zealand to come together to find solutions to prevalent issues and barriers they face as disabled youth living in New Zealand. It is also a space of collaboration and innovation, being a platform from which we can identify solutions to these issues, as well as giving the opportunity to have them presented to high level policy and decision makers.
The first conference, back in September 2019, focused on identifying a broad range of issues in 7 key topics: Housing, Sport and Recreation, Healthcare, Employment, Education, Transport and Media. From these 7 topics came 27 recommendations of which formed the basis of I.Lead’s work with central government for the past 2 years.
Our second conference in 2022 was completely virtual – the FIRST virtual conference for disabled youth. This year, we focused on 6 topics – Education, Transition, Transport, Employment, Sport & Recreation and Housing. We then delivered 16 recommendations to government officials!
To sign up and be hear more about our next conference, CLICK HERE
And for more information on all things I.Lead, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or contact ilead@yesdisability.org.nz
our goals
INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, DRIVE
HOW do we do this?
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Run a Biannually, national conference
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Work directly with government agencies on policy and legislation
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Connect with young people across NZ
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Run workshops, events and social activities
National I-Lead Committee
The National I.Lead Committee is made up of representation from around the country.
They meet monthly to discuss issues, policy, barriers and events. We are always welcoming new members to join the cause! When an opening becomes available on the I.Lead Committee, being an I.Lead member means you are eligible to apply for a spot on the committee!
If you are looking to make change through the telling of your story and lived experience of disability, CLICK HERE!