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!

Christie

As someone who grew up with a physical disability and navigated systems that weren’t built with me in mind, I know how powerful it can be when young people are given the tools and encouragement to speak up. I am passionate about creating spaces where youth can learn their rights, find their voice, and build a future that reflects their dreams, not the barriers they’ve faced.

Aaron

I have had a very long history(despite being only 28) I've had had many encounters with people with disabilities, I am the oldest of 11 siblings and many of them have a developmental disability and or a physical disability, ever since I was young I have been looking out for them as well as taking care of them when my mother had to go to work to support us. I found myself wanting to take the work even farther when I got out of high school and started with doing advocacy work within the city of Philadelphia and in PA as a whole and eventually i found myself here at PEAL with an amazing opportunity to better help youth and young adults across the state who identify with having a disability.

Khaleya

Even though my childhood came with some tough challenges, I’m proud to say I’m thriving as an adult now! A big reason for that is because some awesome adults made sure I learned the skills I needed to succeed. They had my back, and it made all the difference. Now, my biggest goal is to help other young people like me grow up strong, confident, and supported—because we all deserve to thrive!

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.

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!