AZYLF 2025 - NORTHERN REGION, FLAGSTAFF
2025-06-23 - 2025-06-27 | Northern Arizona University
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.
Eligibility requirements for AZYLF

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

Engaging Families and Young Adults Program Informational Session
2025-07-09 16:00 - 16:30 UTC | Zoom
A brief informational session to learn about the Engaging Families and Young Adults Program (EFYAP), managed by Diverse Ability Incorporated and Raising Special Kids. This program trains Young Adult and Family Advisors with diverse lived experience, and “places” them within Placement Agencies in their communities. Come and learn how you can get involved!
CLICK TO REGISTER

Transition Institute 2025 (Phoenix)
2025-08-02 08:30 - 16:30 | Ability360, 5025 E WASHINGTON ST, Phoenix, AZ, 85034, United States
The Transition Institute is free for transition-aged youth and young adults (14- 26 years old) with disabilities and their parents.
To learn more and register, visit the Encircle Families Transition Institute 2025 registration webpage.
PARENT TRACK:

Learn about transition and employment services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Vocational Rehabilitation and how they work together. Additionally, parents will learn about Social Security, ABLE Accounts, Supported Decision-Making, transportation options and voting rights. There will be an opportunity for those eligible to register to vote. The day will conclude with a presentation called Imagining a Great Life!

YOUTH TRACK:

Centered on YOUth – Youth and young adults are invited to join Arizona Young Adult Leaders from Diverse Ability Incorporated for an overview of self-determination and self-advocacy and an opportunity to recognize and appreciate their own skills that lead to greater independence. Learn about Person-Centered Plans and how they consider your strengths, talents, and gifts. PCPs allow youth to choose activities, make decisions, and set goals based on their interests and preferences. Participants will actively engage in a piece of the Person-Centered Planning process, called Discovery.

Virtual Skills to Pay the Bills (September)
2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Complete Our Training Form to Register
Registration Deadline: September 1
This practical training prepares young people for success in the workplace. It introduces them to essential interpersonal and professional skills, focusing on six key areas: Communication, Enthusiasm and Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professionalism. This training is open to students aged 14 to 22 who have a documented disability and live in Arizona. Any AZYLF graduate wanting to attend the Skills to Pay the Bills Facilitator training must complete this training first.
This virtual training program requires a three-week commitment, consisting of six sessions that will take place on Zoom, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
The session dates for September are as follows:

Session 1: Wednesday, September 10
Session 2: Thursday, September 11
Session 3: Wednesday, September 17
Session 4: Thursday, September 18
Session 5: Wednesday, September 24
Session 6: Thursday, September 25

September YAC Virtual Gathering
2025-09-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Register for the September YAC Virtual Gathering
We are excited to announce the restart of our Youth Advisory Community (YAC) monthly meetings this month, and you won’t want to miss it. Join us on Friday, September 26th, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. for the first of many enjoyable gatherings.
Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: YAC Virtual Gathering
Where: Zoom (remember to register to get your entry link!)
When: Friday, September 26th, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
After registering, you’ll receive your unique link to join the meeting. Don’t forget — if you have any accommodation requests, please submit them by Monday, September 15th. You can also contact Isaac (pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org; 602-854-1626) to discuss your preferred arrangements.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

Engaging Families and Young Adults Program Informational Session
2025-10-08 16:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
A brief informational session to learn about the Engaging Families and Young Adults Program (EFYAP), managed by Diverse Ability Incorporated and Encircle Families. This program trains Young Adult and Family Advisors with diverse lived experience, and “places” them within Placement Agencies in their communities. Come and learn how you can get involved!
CLICK TO REGISTER

Virtual Skills to Pay the Bills (October)
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Complete Our Training Form to Register
Registration Deadline: October 7
This practical training prepares young people for success in the workplace. It introduces them to essential interpersonal and professional skills, focusing on six key areas: Communication, Enthusiasm and Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professionalism. This training is open to students aged 14 to 22 who have a documented disability and live in Arizona. Any AZYLF graduate wanting to attend the Skills to Pay the Bills Facilitator training must complete this training first.
This virtual training program requires a three-week commitment, consisting of six sessions that will take place on Zoom, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
The session dates for October are as follows:

Session 1: Wednesday, October 8
Session 2: Thursday, October 9
Session 3: Wednesday, October 15
Session 4: Thursday, October 16
Session 5: Wednesday, October 22
Session 6: Thursday, October 23

December Youth Advisory Community Event (Phoenix)
2025-12-06 10:45 - 15:00
Who: Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) Alumni ages 14-29
What: Faire at the Square (Phoenix)
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: The Square PHX’s Lath House Pavilion, 602 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Details: This event is free to attend. If you wish to make purchases during the event, please bring spending money. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event.
We will meet in front of the Museum and Park Offices at 10:45 a.m. Directions to these offices and parking information can be found on The Square Phx “Know Before You Go” webpage. For additional details about the event, please visit the Faire at the Square webpage.
Register: Complete our Youth Advisory Community Event Registration and Consent Form

December Youth Advisory Community Event (Tucson)
2025-12-13 17:45 - 21:00
Who: Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) Alumni ages 14-29
What: Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights
Date: Saturday, December 13th
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Tohono Chul Park, 7366 North Paseo del Norte
Tucson, AZ 85704
Details: Admission is $25 per person and is each attendee’s responsibility. Participants are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event.
We will meet at the Main Entrance at 5:45 PM. (Directions are available on the Tohono Chul Directions webpage.) For more details about the event, please visit the Tohono Chul website.
Register: Complete our Youth Advisory Community Event Registration and Consent Form

January YAC Virtual Gathering
2026-01-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Register for the January YAC Virtual Gathering
Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: Youth Advisory Community (YAC) Virtual Gathering
Where: Zoom (remember to register to get your entry link!)
When: Friday, January 16th, 5:00 p.m.
After registering, you’ll receive your unique link to join the meeting.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

Virtual Skills to Pay the Bills (February)
2026-02-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Complete Our Training Form to Register
This practical training prepares young people for success in the workplace. It introduces them to essential interpersonal and professional skills, focusing on six key areas: Communication, Enthusiasm and Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professionalism. This training is open to students aged 14 to 22 who have a documented disability and live in Arizona. Any AZYLF graduate wanting to attend the Skills to Pay the Bills Facilitator training must complete this training first.
This virtual training program requires a three-week commitment, consisting of six sessions that will take place on Zoom, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
The session dates for February are as follows:

Session 1: Tuesday, February 10
Session 2: Thursday, February 12
Session 3: Tuesday, February 17
Session 4: Thursday, February 19
Session 5: Tuesday, February 24
Session 6: Thursday, February 26

Registration Deadline: February 3

February YAC Virtual Gathering
2026-02-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Register for the February YAC Virtual Gathering
Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: Youth Advisory Community (YAC) Virtual Gathering
Where: Zoom (remember to register to get your entry link!)
When: Friday, February 27, 5:00 p.m.
After registering, you’ll receive your unique link to join the meeting.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

March YAC Gathering (In-Person)
2026-03-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Pathway to Work, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States
Register for the March YAC Gathering
Join us for our March YAC event! We’ll spend the afternoon working together on a community service project—creating cozy tie blankets to donate to a local organization here in the Valley.
We’ll have music, snacks, and a fun space to connect while giving back.
Come hang out, make something meaningful, and be part of a project that spreads kindness!
Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: YAC Gathering, Service Project
Where: Pathway to Work, 1445 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283
When: Saturday, March 28th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Don’t forget — if you have any accommodation requests, please submit them by Friday, March 13th. You can also contact Isaac (pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org; 602-854-1626) to discuss your preferred arrangements.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

Engaging Families and Young Adults Program (EFYAP) Information Session
2026-04-08 16:00 - 16:30, 2026-07-08 16:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Register for the EFYAP Information Session
A brief informational session to learn about the Engaging Families and Young Adults Program (EFYAP), managed by Diverse Ability Incorporated and Encircle Families. This program trains Young Adult and Family Advisors with diverse lived experience, and “places” them within Placement Agencies in their communities. Come and learn how you can get involved!

AZYLF Virtual Information Session
2026-04-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
Register for the April 15 AZYLF Virtual Information Session
Join us for an engaging informational session about the Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF), hosted by Diverse Ability Incorporated. This informational session offers youth, families, professionals, and community members an opportunity to learn more about the program, discover how AZYLF supports personal growth and future goals, and ask questions.
Session date and time:
Wednesday, April 15 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Information sessions will take place virtually on Zoom.

April YAC Virtual Workshop
2026-04-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Register for April’s YAC Virtual Workshop
A Crash Course in Financial Literacy: Budgeting Basics
Want to feel more confident managing your money? Join us for a quick and easy introduction to budgeting! We’ll break down the basics, talk about how to make the best choices for your goals, and share helpful tips you can start using right away.
There will be plenty of time to ask questions and learn together!

Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: YAC Virtual Workshop, A Crash Course in Financial Literacy: Budgeting Basics
Where: Zoom (remember to register to get your entry link!)
When: Friday, April 17th, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
After registering, you’ll receive your unique link to join the meeting. Don’t forget — if you have any accommodation requests, please submit them by Friday, March 27th. You can also contact Isaac (pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org; 602-854-1626) to discuss your preferred arrangements.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

AZYLF Virtual Information Session
2026-04-18 09:30 - 10:30 | Zoom
Register for the April 18 AZYLF Virtual Information Session
Join us for an engaging informational session about the Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF), hosted by Diverse Ability Incorporated. This informational session offers youth, families, professionals, and community members an opportunity to learn more about the program, discover how AZYLF supports personal growth and future goals, and ask questions.
Session date and time:
Saturday, April 18 | 9:30–10:30 AM
Information sessions will take place virtually on Zoom.

Virtual Skills to Pay the Bills (May)
2026-05-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Complete Our Training Form to Register
Register by April 21st, 2026
This practical training prepares young people for success in the workplace. It introduces them to essential interpersonal and professional skills, focusing on six key areas: Communication, Enthusiasm and Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professionalism. This training is open to students aged 14 to 22 who have a documented disability and live in Arizona. Any AZYLF graduate wanting to attend the Skills to Pay the Bills Facilitator training must complete this training first.
This virtual training program requires a three-week commitment, consisting of six sessions that will take place on Zoom, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
The session dates for May are as follows:

Session 1: Tuesday, May 5
Session 2: Thursday, May 7
Session 3: Tuesday, May 12
Session 4: Thursday, May 14
Session 5: Tuesday, May 19
Session 6: Thursday, May 21

Registration Deadline: April 21

May YAC Service Project (In-Person)
2026-05-16 11:45 - 14:00 | St. Mary’s Food Bank Volunteer Center, 2804 North 29th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85009, United States
Register for May’s YAC Service Project
Join us for our May YAC service project as we give back to the community at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix! Come serve, connect, and make a difference while supporting our community!

Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: St. Mary’s Food Bank Volunteer Center, 2804 North 29th Avenue, Phoenix, 85009
After registering, you’ll receive an email with the St. Mary’s Volunteer Engagement form. You must review, sign, and bring this form with you on the 16th. If you have any accommodation requests, please submit them by April 24. You can also contact Isaac (pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org; 602-854-1626) to discuss your preferred arrangements.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

Charting My Course Summer Lab, A 6-Day Experience (In-Person)
2026-06-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Tucson, AZ, United States
Workability/UCPSA and Diverse Ability Incorporated present Charting My Course Summer Lab, A 6-Day Experience.
Arizona students (14–22) who have disabilities—join us to:

Learn about your future through Pre‑ETS Workshops, including self‑advocacy, job exploration, workplace readiness, post‑secondary options, and more.
Create a Person‑Centered Plan to show your goals and what you want your future to look like.
Build real‑world workplace skills through Skills to Pay the Bills, a hands‑on training program.

Dates: June 8, 9, 10 and June 15, 16, 17 (Monday–Wednesday)
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 (Lunch Provided)
Locations TBD: Northwest Tucson and Eastside Tucson
View the Charting My Course flyer to learn more.
Space is limited. Register for Charting My Course, a 6-day summer lab experience.

June YAC Virtual Workshop
2026-06-12 16:30 - 18:00 | Zoom
Register for June’s YAC Virtual Workshop
Online Safety & Privacy (Presented by IHD)
We’re online more than ever, so it’s important to know how to stay safe and protect your personal information. In this session, a guest presenter from IHD will share tips and real‑life examples to help you understand online safety and privacy—and how to make smart choices while using the internet and social media.

Who: AZYLF Alumni (ages 14-29)
What: YAC Virtual Workshop, Online Safety & Privacy (Presented by IHD)
Where: Zoom (remember to register to get your entry link!)
When: Friday, June 12th, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
After registering, you’ll receive your unique link to join the meeting. Don’t forget — if you have any accommodation requests, please submit them by Friday, May 22nd. You can also contact Isaac (pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org; 602-854-1626) to discuss your preferred arrangements.
Questions? Send us an email at pbs4youth@diverseabilityincorporated.org — we’re here to help!

Phoenix Metro Arizona Youth Engagement Academy: Day 1 (In-Person)
2026-06-13 08:30 - 16:30 | Pathway to Work, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States
Join us at the Arizona Youth Engagement Academy (AZYEA), a training program that helps AZYLF graduates become confident peer leaders in their communities and with Diverse Ability Incorporated. Through hands-on, interactive learning, participants build confidence and learn skills like public speaking, leading discussions and group activities, creating fun learning experiences, giving helpful feedback, and facilitating Person-Centered Planning sessions.

Who: AZYLF graduates (ages 14-29) living in Arizona
When: June 13th and 14th, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Pathway to Work, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Register for the Phoenix Metro AZYEA

Registration Deadline: May 25, 2026

Please note: Anyone planning to apply as a facilitator for AZYLF 2026 should register and plan to attend a June AZYEA session.

Tucson Arizona Youth Engagement Academy: Day 1 (In-Person)
2026-06-13 08:30 - 16:30 | Workability/UCPSA, 630 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85711, United States
Join us at the Arizona Youth Engagement Academy (AZYEA), a training program that helps AZYLF graduates become confident peer leaders in their communities and with Diverse Ability Incorporated. Through hands-on, interactive learning, participants build confidence and learn skills like public speaking, leading discussions and group activities, creating fun learning experiences, giving helpful feedback, and facilitating Person-Centered Planning sessions.

Who: AZYLF graduates (ages 14-29) living in Arizona
When: June 13th and 14th, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Must attend both days)
Where: Workability/UCPSA, 630 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711
Register for the Tucson AZYEA

Registration Deadline: May 25, 2026

Please note: If you plan to apply as a facilitator for AZYLF 2026, you must register for and attend a June AZYEA session.

Phoenix Metro Arizona Youth Engagement Academy: Day 2 (In-Person)
2026-06-14 08:30 - 16:30 | Pathway to Work, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States

Tucson Arizona Youth Engagement Academy: Day 2 (In-Person)
2026-06-14 08:30 - 16:30 | Workability/UCPSA, 630 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85711, United States

Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) 2026
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 12:00 | University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Join us at the Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF), a conference where you can discover your strengths, build your confidence, and shape the future you want!

Who: Arizona students ages 14–22 who have a documented disability
When: July 13–17, 2026
Where: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost: Free for all eligible participants. If selected, participants must complete a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Form.

Who’s Eligible to Attend AZYLF?

Applicants should:

Have a documented disability
Be 14–22 years of age
Be enrolled in high school or a higher education or post-secondary training program
Live in Arizona

Limited space may be available for applicants who do not meet all eligibility requirements.
To learn more, visit our AZYLF webpage.

Transition Institute 2026 (Tempe)
2026-08-01 08:30 - 16:30 | Tempe Union H.S. District Professiol Learning Center, 490 West Guadalupe Road, Tempe, 85283, United States
Join us for a day designed for both youth and parents as you plan for life after high school.
Two tracks. One shared goal.
Youth Track: Hands-on, interactive sessions led by peer leaders. Explore employment, independent living, and self-advocacy.
Parent Track: Practical guidance, resources, and speakers aligned with the same key topics.
Parents and youth will be together for breakfast, lunch, and a closing share-out.
Build skills. Make connections. Take the next steps with confidence.
Who: Youth and parents planning for life after high school.
When: Saturday, August 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Union H.S. District Professional Learning Center, 490 West Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Register: Complete the Encircle Families Registration Form

Note: Please complete a separate registration for each attendee.
