Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) is a multi-day, peer-led conference that empowers youth and young adults who have disabilities and diversities through experiential learning, leadership development, self-advocacy, and community service.
Participants explore leadership, the disability experience, goal setting, community resources, and self-advocacy in an engaging environment with other young people.
Presentations by a variety of community leaders, advocates, and peers who share common cultural perspectives are an integral component of AZYLF. Each activity or presentation highlights an area of impact for youth as they prepare for and navigate young adulthood.
Through Person-Centered Planning, youth are assisted in developing a Personal Leadership Plan which includes the specific action items they choose to address as they navigate their futures. AZYLF is packed with a variety of experiential activities, including engagement in service to others, and holds a memorable graduation celebration.
Graduates from each conference have opportunities to remain connected as Alumni, to complete additional personal and professional development opportunities, and to become engaged in systems change activities.
More and more opportunities are becoming available as Arizona Youth Leadership and Engagement Initiatives (AZYLEI) continue to grow. There are frequent opportunities for Alumni to contribute and make a difference within their communities and beyond, following the AZYLF Conference. Many Alumni return as conference facilitators, get involved with leadership positions within the organization, become community leaders in other ways, and receive compensation for their many contributions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AZYLF 2025
What You Need to Know...
Eligibility requirements for AZYLF
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- Identify as having a disability
- Be in high school, or be a young adult under the age of 26
- Wish to increase personal leadership, self-reliance and self-advocacy
- Approach this opportunity as an investment in your future, which you embrace with enthusiasm, and commitment
- Live in Arizona
Applicants who do not have internet access may call: 602-425-5135, for assistance with completing their application.
Graduates of previous AZYLF conferences are ineligible to reapply as a participant for an AZYLF conference from which they have already graduated. Past participants may qualify to serve as facilitators. Contact us for more information at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org.
Please use one of the links below to submit your application. Applicants may only apply for ONE conference only.
| AZYLF 2025 – METRO PHOENIX | AZYLF 2025 – FLAGSTAFF |
| Gateway Community College | Northern Arizona University |
| More information will be available soon. | More information will be available soon. |
Although online applications are preferred, we recognize this submission method may not work for everyone. In addition, we strive to provide information in the language and format that best meets your needs. So, please reach out to us if you have questions, are in need of an alternative submission method, or have any difficulty at all. Diverse Ability Incorporated strives to make this a successful process for all, and will do all that we can to support each applicant. Email us at: admin@diverseabilityincorporated.org or call us at: 602-425-5135, and we will work it out together.
Reminder: Graduates of previous AZYLF conferences are ineligible to reapply as a participant for an AZYLF conference that they have already graduated from. However, youth may apply to participate in AZYLF for more than one community, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for each. We encourage Graduates to actively engage with the AZYLEI Alumni Association. To do so, visit our Arizona Youth Leadership and Engagement Initiatives Alumni Association page at: https://diverseabilityincorporated.org/arizona-youth-leadership-initiatives-azyli-alumni-association/
If you are ages 14-22 and are currently a student, your participation in AZYLF for Teens and Young Adults who identify as being part of the Disability Community is funded by the Arizona Department of Rehabilitation Services Administration and completion of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) form is required, prior to AZYLF.
You will find a fillable Pre-ETS form to complete HERE. Please use the button below to upload your completed Pre-ETS form as soon as possible. This documentation is required before your AZYLF conference begins.
You may also email your form and any supporting documents to: admin@diverseabilityincorporated.org.
Page 1: Needs to be completed by you AND legal guardian or parent (if applicable).
Page 2: Needs to be completed by a professional that can verify that you are a student who has a disability. A professional may be any of the following: teacher, school counselor, principal, disability resource center, Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, or a medical practitioner, such as a doctor, or therapist. If you are unable to obtain verification from a professional, you can submit a copy of your IEP, 504 plan, SSI/SSDI award letter or a medical diagnosis document that states that you are a person who has a disability along with a completed Page 1, and proof of school enrollment.
If you are a minor, or not your own guardian, your parent or guardian will need to assist and co-sign these documents with you. Even if you are a legal adult, you may benefit from support in completing these documents. If you do not have internet access, or have any other difficulties, please contact us right away, so we can find a solution.
Email: admin@diverseabilityincorporated.org
Phone: 602-425-5135
As applications are received, Diverse Ability Incorporated will reach out to each applicant to schedule a group orientation over videoconference, so that participants and their supporters feel comfortable and prepared for this life-enhancing experience, and receive instructions for next steps.
As part of the application process, paperwork required for funding may also be required, such as Pre-ETS forms for those ages 14-22. (See “Required Forms for students who have disabilities ages 14-22”)
There is no charge for youth and young adults to participate in AZYLF, and accommodations such as ASL interpreters are provided at no cost to participants. Please list any accommodation needs in your application.