Rutland Disabled Youth Forum Celebrates a Decade of Advocacy and Empowerment

Rutland Disabled Youth Forum Celebrates a Decade of Advocacy and Empowerment

The Rutland Disabled Youth Forum (RDYF) is proudly marking its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of empowering young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and significantly impacting the local community. A special celebration of this milestone recently took place at the Rutland Family Hub.

For the past ten years, the RDYF has served as a vital platform, giving a strong voice to young individuals and ensuring their perspectives are heard on issues that directly affect their lives. Their contributions have been far-reaching and impactful.

The forum has actively advised local businesses on improving provisions for SEND, making Rutland a more inclusive place for everyone. Their commitment to positive change extends to their involvement in council interview panels for positions related to SEND, ensuring that new appointments understand and champion the needs of disabled youth. Furthermore, the RDYF has developed its own disability acceptance training, demonstrating their proactive approach to fostering understanding and inclusivity. Their advocacy has also led to tangible improvements in the community, including better disabled parking facilities and enhanced street furniture for people with visual impairments.

Lesley Hawkes from the early intervention and SEND team at Rutland County Council highlighted the remarkable journey of the group, noting that some of the original members are still involved. "Some of them are very much still part of the same group. Many of them have carried on with us. They are now more of a volunteer and they actually help the group," said Hawkes. "So they will help the young ones coming through feel comfortable and make sure that they are encouraged to share their voices."

Hawkes further emphasised the profound personal growth witnessed within the forum's members: "And they've shown how much they've grown throughout that period that they've been part of the Disabled Youth Forum because now they've got so much confidence. They've got so much confidence and understanding that their voice does matter and things can change for the better because of their thoughts and feelings and wishes."

The Rutland Disabled Youth Forum's decade of dedication stands as a testament to the power of youth advocacy and its ability to drive meaningful change within the community. Their ongoing efforts continue to make Rutland a more accessible and understanding place for all its young residents.