Youth Engagement Initiatives

The Arizona Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Unit is dedicated to amplifying youth voices and fostering meaningful engagement for students with disabilities. Our initiatives help students actively shape their futures, build essential skills, and achieve their potential. We create opportunities that support various abilities by partnering with schools, families, and communities. ESS is committed to providing youth with the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed in school, work, and life. Together, we inspire youth to lead, engage, and achieve.  

Explore our initiatives and join us in making a difference. 

 

Peer-Based, Person-Centered Planning (PCP)

With support and funding from ADE/ESS Special Projects and other diverse sources, including the Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Diverse Ability Incorporated (DAI) helps youth and young adults who have disabilities create Peer-Based, Person-Centered plans that:

  • Express Their Wishes: Encourage them to share their dreams and goals.
  • Build on Their Strengths: Focus on what they do well to promote independence.
  • Set Clear Goals: Help them identify what is important to them and how to achieve it. 

 

DAI believes in the power of peer support and connects each youth or young adult with one of its trained Arizona Young Adult Leaders. These leaders, aged 18 to 29, are young people who have disabilities. Their unique perspectives, along with the training they receive from DAI, help them guide the person-centered planning process and support each youth or young adult, with input from their chosen supporters, in creating their plans.

 

A person-centered plan is more than a document; it's a powerful tool that empowers youth and young adults to:

  • Discover and outline their unique needs, wants, and goals.
  • Take the lead in decision-making, ensuring their voice is heard and valued.
  • Share important information with teachers, IEP teams, case managers, and others who play a role in their lives.
  • Navigate their journey through high school, college, work, and beyond by providing a clear roadmap for success.      

 

Diverse Ability Incorporated offers youth and young adults who have disabilities the opportunity to create a person-centered plan through:

 

Please visit DAI's Peer-Based, Person-Centered Planning Services page to learn more. If you are a teacher or school interested in partnering with Diverse Ability Incorporated to provide these services to your students, please visit their Peer-Based School Programs page.

If you would like to speak with a DAI team member directly, please email DAI, call 602-425-5135, or submit a request for information.