PARTNERS FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) empowers youth with disabilities to reach their full potential by providing transformative mentoring programs, youth development opportunities, and inclusion expertise. We motivate youth to reach their personal, educational, and career goals, and guide organizations in becoming more inclusive. They envision an inclusive global society in which youth with disabilities have the access, support and confidence to achieve their full potential. They believe t... hat youth with disabilities who are educated, mentored and empowered have a profoundly positive impact on their communities and the world. Executive Director Regina Snowden founded Partners for Youth with Disabilities in 1985 in order to bring critical mentoring programs to an under-served population and to encourage inclusivity in other youth programs. PYD has grown from one program serving nine youth to five award-winning programs directly serving hundreds of youth with disabilities. PYD has developed and sustained innovative programs that promote inclusive practices, self-esteem, creativity, healthy lifestyles, and career development for youth and young adults age 6 to 24 who face daily challenges. The cornerstone of PYD is the Mentor Match program. For more than 25 years PYD has paired youth and young adults with disabilities with compassionate adult mentors who best fit their personality, interests, and skills. These relationships have proven to be invaluable in improving the social and intellectual development of these youth.More