Youth Leadership Academy 2026

The Youth Leadership Academy is a free, three-day-long summer program for young people with disabilities who want to develop leadership skills, explore careers in advocacy, and connect with a community of peers who share their experiences.

Through hands-on learning and mentorship from disability leaders, participants build confidence and discover their power to create change in their lives and in their world.

YLA is open to youth (ages 16-24) with disabilities who live in Tennessee.

Dates: June 16, 17, 18, 2026

Time: 10 am - 4 pm CT

Place: In Person

The Tennessee Disability Coalition

955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Participants will learn about:

• Being your Authentic Self with Disability Pride

• Problem Solving for Success with Employment and Budgeting

• Working Towards Independence with Self-Advocacy

• Transitioning into Adulthood 

• And more...

  All while having fun!

We are able to offer YLA at no cost to participants because of our partnerships with organizations like TNSTEP, the Tennessee Disability Coalition, and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.