What is the Youth Advisory Council?
PEAL’s Youth Advisory Council, also known as YAC, is a group of youth and young adults who use their voices and lived experiences to help create positive change for young people with disabilities, mental health needs, medical needs, and those transitioning into adulthood. The YAC is also a safe space where youth with disabilities can come together and connect around their lived experience.
Through YAC, members build leadership and self-advocacy skills while working together to educate others, reduce stigma, support their peers, and help improve systems that impact youth and families.
What does the YAC do?
Youth Advisory Council members help prioritize youth voice by participating in activities such as:
- Sharing their lived experiences
- Supporting and encouraging their peers
- Educating communities, families, and professionals
- Participating in discussions, panels, and PEAL youth events
- Developing presentations, videos, and other youth-led resources
- Volunteering and engaging in community-based efforts
- Making recommendations that support policy and systems change
2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council
PEAL’s 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council is currently underway.
This year, council members are working on a youth-led project focused on Medicaid rights. Check back for more information soon.
PEAL is proud to support youth leaders as they use their voices to educate, advocate, and help shape more inclusive systems for the future.
