Attention youth aged 14-26: The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is offering a unique opportunity for you to become a youth ambassador.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities’s (TCDD) “mission is to create change so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives,” according to its website.
TCDD has established “Youth Ambassadors for Choice-Making in Health Care” to increase awareness and self-advocacy skills among youth with disabilities.
The youth ambassadors will concentrate on advocating for themselves in healthcare and navigating Medicaid services as they move into adulthood.
Ambassadors will also “Help design resources to support youth with disabilities in making choices about their health care,” per the TCDD youth ambassador flyer.
Furthermore, the youth ambassadors will discuss fundamental healthcare concepts and help with decision-making on topics such as visiting the doctor and understanding medications.
The youth ambassadors will also have the chance to help train service coordinators and other healthcare professionals to help young people with disabilities make well-informed decisions about their healthcare.
Applicants who meet the criteria must reside in Texas, be aged between 14 and 26, have an intellectual or developmental disability, and express an interest in learning about making choices in healthcare.
Youth ambassadors can earn up to $325 for their involvement. The project will start in September 2024 and run until March 2025.
The application deadline is August 28.
Interested applicants may apply online. For additional information or questions, email Lauren Gerken or call 512-534-7040.