The Arc of Shelby County hosts leadership summit for local students
Published 10:30 pm Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
PELHAM – The Arc of Shelby County has announced an event dedicated to inspiring youth to be leaders of the next generation.
The Arc’s Leadership & Self-Advocacy Summit will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center beginning at 9 a.m. The event will consist of four 30-minute sessions, with a keynote speaker at 11:45 a.m. The event wraps up around 1 p.m., and is geared toward high schoolers in the Pelham and Alabaster areas.
Kim Fuller, a job coach and transition specialist with The Arc of Shelby County, gave more background on the event’s aims.
“This event supports the mission of The Arc of Shelby County,” Fuller said. “This event assists high school students in building important skills for the future, with a focus on leadership, self-advocacy and confidence.”
Fuller also described the summit’s activities in detail.
“The summit includes fun activities, group discussions and speakers who will teach students how to stand up for themselves, make good choices and reach their goals,” Fuller said. “It’s all about helping everyone feel included and giving students the tools they need to live their best lives.”
While leadership is not an uncommon trait, Fuller took the time to stress the importance of teaching it early to the youth of Shelby County.
“We at The Arc of Shelby County feel that hosting an event such as this, specifically targeting students in our county, is so important because it helps them build confidence, speak up for themselves and prepare for life after school,” Fuller said. “It gives students, especially those with disabilities, the tools to set goals, make decisions and succeed in their communities.”
The four 30-minute sessions are designed for both students with disabilities and students without them.
The first session is titled “Tech That Empowers: Unlocking Potential with Assistive Technology.” This session will focus on teaching students about how to effectively use assistive technologies to unlock their full potential in both school and the workplace.
The second session, titled “Owning Your Voice: Mastering Self-Advocacy in the Workplace,” teaches students to speak up in the workplace and take charge of their wants and needs.
The third session, “Empowerment in the Workplace: Navigating Body Safety & Boundaries,” teaches students the importance of boundaries to create healthy relationships conducive to the working environment.
Finally, “Employers Unplugged: Employer Panel” will give students the chance to hear directly from employers and what they look for in potential employees.
Fuller took time to introduce the keynote speaker, a local Shelby County law enforcement official.
“Lt. Sasha Knighten from the Columbiana Police Department will be the keynote speaker,” Fuller said. “She is a wife, a mother of two children (her son being diagnosed with autism) and a dedicated leader in her community. Lt. Knighten will be discussing the importance of resilience, leadership and advocating for yourself and others, especially in overcoming challenges. Her personal experiences as a mother and a law enforcement officer will inspire students to embrace their unique abilities and take charge of their futures.”
Fuller concluded by sharing what makes the event special highlighting the impact it has on the Shelby County community.
“This event has a big impact by bringing together students, families and community members to support each other,” Fuller said. “It helps create a more inclusive community where everyone, no matter their abilities, has the chance to succeed and make a difference.”
To learn more about The Arc of Shelby County and its Leadership & Self-Advocacy Summit, visit Thearcofshelby.org.