Who We Are

The PEAL Center is Pennsylvania’s Parent Training and Information Center, working alongside families and individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs to ensure they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate systems and lead self-determined lives. We believe that families and youth are the most powerful advocates for meaningful change in education, healthcare, and communities.

Our Work with Youth and Young Adults

At PEAL, we know that youth with disabilities are not just the future; they’re the leaders of right now. That’s why we work directly with young people to support self-advocacy, leadership development, and transition planning. From accessible toolkits to youth-led training and statewide advisory opportunities, our goal is to empower youth and young adults to raise their voices, share their stories, and shape the systems that impact their lives.

Whether you're preparing for your first IEP meeting, planning for college or a job, or speaking out for disability rights, PEAL is here to support you every step of the way.

Why We Do It

Get to know the youth team at PEAL and why this work is important to us!

Chris

Being born three months prematurely and diagnosed with permanent physical disability at birth, I have had to overcome a lot to have the life I wanted for myself.

Now, in my early 30s, I realize how important my ability to communicate and advocate for myself has been to my academic, professional, and personal life.

With this realization in mind, I wanted to start a new chapter, both academically and professionally, using my lived experience and the power of self-advocacy to educate and empower young people with disabilities to live full lives in their schools and communities. I hope to raise awareness of and reduce the public stigma often unfairly attributed to having a disability. I aim to bring out the best in youth and young adults by engaging them in meaningful activities that help them find success in life, whatever path they choose.

Monet

I do this work because I grew up not knowing I was struggling. I didn't have the resources, or anyone advocating for my health or even to help navigate adulthood with a disability. I was diagnosed later in adulthood. That feeling of being alone and always knowing I was different fueled me to want to help others that may also be going through the same or simply need help navigating their own transition..

What We Do

At the PEAL Center, we empower youth and young adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs to speak up, make decisions about their lives, and become leaders in their schools and communities. Through training, mentorship, and real opportunities to lead, we help young people build the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and create change.

Youth Trainings

Using Your Voice for Change – Speak Up, Make a Difference

In this session, you’ll learn how to use your voice to stand up for what matters to you. You'll work on building your own Advocacy Action Plan—a step-by-step guide to making real change in your school, neighborhood, or community. Whether it’s something big or small, you have the power to make a difference!
Building Networks with Purpose – Connections That Count

In this session, you’ll explore just how connected you already are—to friends, classmates, mentors, and even people you haven’t met yet. You’ll learn how to build and use those connections in a meaningful way to discover new opportunities, get support, and reach your goals. It’s all about making your network work for you!
Self-Determination – Discover What Drives You

In this session, you’ll dive into what really motivates you—what gets you excited, focused, and ready to go. You’ll also get a chance to practice turning those personal goals and passions into real-life action steps. It’s all about learning more about yourself and building the confidence to take charge of your future!
Transition Plan is Not Just a Form – It's Your Game Plan for the Future

In this session, you’ll learn what a transition plan really is—not just a form to fill out, but a tool to help you shape your future. We’ll talk about why it’s important to start planning early and how creating your own plan can help you reach your goals after high school, whether that’s college, a job, or something totally unique to you.
Youth Friendship Toolkit – Building Strong, Healthy Connections

In this session, we’ll break down what friendship really means and explore the qualities that make a relationship healthy—or not so healthy. You’ll learn how to spot red flags, build stronger connections, and understand what good friendship looks like in real life. It's all about helping you create supportive, positive relationships that last.
Youth-Led IEPs – Taking the Lead in Your Own Plan

In this session, you’ll learn about your rights when it comes to your Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and why your voice matters in the process. You’ll get tips and strategies for speaking up, setting goals, and even leading your own IEP meeting. It’s all about helping you take control of your education and your future.
Youth Mental Health – Taking Care of You During Life Changes

In this session, you’ll learn simple, real-life strategies to take care of your mental health—especially during big transitions like finishing school, starting a job, or moving into adulthood. We’ll talk about stress, self-care, and how to find support when you need it. Your mental health matters, and this training will help you make it a priority.
Intersectionality – Understanding All the Pieces of You

In this session, you’ll explore what makes you you—your race, gender, culture, abilities, and more—and how those different parts of your identity connect and shape your experiences. You'll learn how to embrace your full self and better understand others, building confidence, empathy, and pride in who you are.
Healthy Relationships – What They Look Like and Why They Matter

In this session, you’ll discover what makes a relationship healthy, whether it’s with friends, family, or someone special. We’ll talk about respect, communication, trust, and how to build and keep strong, positive connections that make you feel good and supported. Learning this helps you create relationships that lift you up!

Request a Training!

Youth Leadership Academies

Participants in the Youth Leadership Academy will:

Gain self-awareness and confidence
Learn how to become a leader
Connect with peers and community leaders
Gain resources and more

Eligible PA student applicants must:

Have a disability and/or special healthcare need
Be transition-aged
Have demonstrated self-advocacy and/or leadership potential in school or community
Commit to attending all three sessions

Additional Details:

No cost to schools, institutions, teens, and young adults who are accepted to participate
Lunch is provided by PEAL
Goodie bags are provided for participants