Youth Program
Each year CCDC hosts a Summer Teen Internship Program. Through interactive class instruction, attendance at hearings and meetings, mentoring by a policymaker, and individual/group projects, teens will learn about:
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Disability Culture and Pride
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History of the Independent Living and Self-Advocacy Movements
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Principles of Self-Advocacy
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Principles of Systems Advocacy
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The Americans with Disabilities Act
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Civil Rights Legislation
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Mediation and Negotiation
- Developing Public Testimony
Teens (ages 14-18) with a disability and commitment to bettering their own lives and the lives of others with disabilities are eligible to apply. This a cross-disability internship; teens of all disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individual accommodations will be made to assure the full participation of each teen.
Exact dates for the internship sessions are announced each spring and applications are made available at that time. Typically applications are due around May 1 of each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the internship?
$1,000/teen. Scholarships and reduced tuition will be available to insure participation of teens regardless of economic status. Please do not hesitate to apply based upon tuition costs. No teen will be turned down due to an inability to pay. Teens will receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of their internship.
Where will the internship take place?
The How To Place, 201 S. Cherokee, Unit A, Denver, CO 80223
Will transportation be provided?
No. Teens must provide their own transportation. Transportation will be provided for all outings.
Will personal attendant services be provided?
A teacher experienced in meeting the needs of teens with physical, cognitive, learning and mental health disabilities will teach each session. A teacher aide with similar experience will attend each session. A personal attendant will be available for each session. If a teen has access to their personal attendant during the sessions, the attendant will be encouraged to attend.
How will teens be selected?
Teens will be asked to complete an application. Accommodations will be made to insure that every interested teen will be able to complete an application. Ten teens for each session will be selected for a face-to-face interview. Six plus two alternative teens will be selected for each session, based on commitment to leadership. Selection will also insure representation from all disability communities.
