Episode 145: Boys & Girls Clubs of America Empower Youth With and Without Disabilities

Archive, Bios, Description, Resources and Transcripts for Episode 145: Boys & Girls Clubs of America Empower Youth With and Without Disabilities https://adalive.org/episodes/episode-145/ Since 1860, Boys & Girls Clubs of America have unlocked the unlimited potential of youth in a safe, inclusive, and engaging setting. Each year these clubs serve over four million youth from early childhood to age 24. Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs provide important youth development at critical times outside of the classroom to promote school success, healthy choices, and leadership. Our guest for this episode is Katie Anderson, Director of Youth Programs and Innovation for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Katie describes how Boys & Girls Clubs offer a welcoming program for young people with disabilities and their families. Katie also shares the importance of programs outside of school time and talks about the barriers like access and cost. She highlights the need for individual evaluations and inclusive practices like their Keystone Conference with sensory calming rooms. Katie also stresses the importance of youth choice and voice in programs together with universal access for all youth.