The idea for the initial Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) program came from the experiences of a young girl, Isabella Franks, who lives with a severe disability. Isabella significantly influenced the personal growth and leadership qualities of fellow students and those around her. From this initial point, the All Abilities School Program was born. The aim in this program is to foster development through students with and without disabilities working together in a ‘reverse inclusion’ model.
After a successful pilot during 2017, the program was fully rolled out during 2018 in Hobart. During 2018 the program expanded to the North West Coast in Devonport, with the then Minister for Disability and Community Services, The Hon Jacquie Petrusma officially launching the program in October. During this time we were recognised as a Semi-Finalist in the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards and a Silver Award in the Clarence Business Excellence Awards.
YLOT is an innovative organisation that focuses on building individual capacity by giving young people with disability access to social role modelling, skill development activities and the opportunity to learn from a similar-age peer buddy.
