Just For Youth

Welcome to the Just For Youth page! The information here helps center YOU and your strengths, goals, and needs as you get ready for life after school. Our Resource Hub has even more information, including the Transition to Adulthood page.

Disability Resources Just For You!

  • Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice

    Learn more about alternatives to guardianship by reading and watching stories and exploring resources.

    Explore

  • Before Age 18

    If you are a teen with a disability, this site can help you consider your choices, explore the possibilities, and take action now to prepare for age 18!

    Explore

  • How to Be a Self-Advocate

    Watch this video to learn what it means to be a self-advocate and some steps you can take to build the life you want.

    Watch

  • 8 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Becoming an Adult

    View 8 steps teens with disabilities can take to prepare for becoming an adult.

    Explore

  • Self-Advocacy Online

    View stories from self-advocates on a variety of topics such as employment, politics, and independent living.

    Explore

Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

Self-Determination Channel

The Self-Determination Channel is hosted by self-advocates with content directed and developed by self-advocates. Watch to learn more about using choice and control in your life.

Browse Videos
a teenaged wheelchair user smiles in confidence

It’s Your Life! Be Empowered.

Explore Supported Decision Making

Video vignette from The Arc Oregon

Kimberly is a young adult with Down syndrome who shares how Supported Decision Making helps her lead the life she wants.

One-Page Visual Tool on Decision Making Supports for Teenagers

This one-page tool from The Arc Oregon was created with you in mind to help you make more decisions and take on new challenges that help you grow up.

Decision Making Supports

This one-page tool from The Arc Oregon helps you understand the difference between having a guardian and using Supported Decision Making so you stay in control!

Two Young women with a megaphone and piercing expressions

Community & Activism

Get Involved and Raise Your Voice!

Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice (CYVYC)
Explore resources created by a network of youth ambassadors and state teams that help you advocate for your right to make your own decisions.

Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC)
OSAC supports a network of self-advocacy groups, bringing self-advocates together to develop a unified voice about issues that affect the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Transition to Adulthood Council (TAC)
The TAC helps prepare young adults to transition to adult care and provides guidance for healthcare service improvements and high-trust relationships between patients and health care professionals. They focus on advocacy and educating health care professionals through sharing their lived experience. The TAC regularly seeks new members ages 18-26 with disabilities.