Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice

As we get closer to the new school year, this is a reminder that student mental health will always be a top priority. If you work with students in grades 8-12, and 1st year uni, please share this important and FREE student support service.

Thanks for featuring Dr. Durr. Her journey wasn't an easy one, and as a Black autistic woman, Dr. Durr faced so many barriers. She raised her siblings by herself at a young age
Dr. Durr earned her PhD in IT from North Texas University!
A PhD is one of the highest degrees you can earn.
*It's different from an honorary degree, which is given to members of the community for their dedicated service.
A PhD takes a lot of years of studying and hard work.
Don't let anyone tell you you can't because you're autistic!

Dr. Durr dedicated herself to creating equity in digital spaces, especially for young people facing many racial and disability barriers.

If you need a tech guru who specializes in ethics and diversity, to speak at your next event, Dr. Durr is the expert you need!

Dr. Durr is featured as part of YAIJs Disability Histories poster series highlighting Black folx from around the world who happen to be neurodiverse and making a difference in the world just by being their authentic selves.
Disability justice is everyones business.

Thanks to co-founder Jantz for this poster and reminding us that you can be the change. To learn more about what we do and who we serve, visit YAIJ.org

VISUALS: Dr. Durr is centered on a lawn green background. She wears curly brown/auburn hair to just above her shoulders. a Black bolero style hats sits back on her head.She's wearing a black jacket and black patterned top underneath. She faces camera smiling. She expresses confidence.
In bold, large letters are the words Dr. Angel Durr with a description of Dr. Durr and her work in smaller writing below on a white background.


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We started YAIJ because our co-founder Jantz was being bullied at school and had no support, no one to talk to.

We started YAIJ because being "different" (stimming, thinking, focusing, etc.) made you an outcast at school.

We started YAIJ because there werent any Black led disability orgs connecting Black and racialized neurodiverse students just because.

We started YAIJ because showing up is half the battle, building a network of ppl who love you for who are, is another.

We started YAIJ because so much racism and ableism is tolerated and encouraged at school.

We started YAIJ because - well, why not?

Start a YAIJ Club at your school and watch your network grow. Leatn about social justice, intersectional justice, learn or build on your leadership skills, get your volunteer hours, become an advocate, create cool projects, meet new friends, and be supported.

Check the link in bio or head to YAIJ.org.

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Register early this fun-in-the-sun recreational program for neurodiverse youth 16-30, starting July 2nd 2024.
Its supported at a 2:1 ratio for youth who need it.
Transportation to/from our main office is covered (public transit & rideshare).

Summer in the City is only available in Toronto (GTA) and Surrey.

This summer's weekly themes include:
☆ Caribbean Corners (culture, food, music)
☆ African histories (art, science)
☆ Knowing your neighborhood
☆ Outdoor adventures
☆ Self-defense
☆ Road sports (RCs, gokarting)
☆ Personal safety

Limited spots available.
The cost is $150+ HST/week.

You can register for individual weeks or the entire summer session:
For more info visit: bit.ly/SummerintheCity2024

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Summer in the City Join us for a summer filled with trips, friends, and fun as we safely explore our local neighborhoods

Its great to do what you love!
Check out Kalin's story and tell us what talents you have, which sports you enjoy - especially in warmer weather!

Advocacy and activism are sometimes about just being in spaces where people dont expect (or want) you to be because you happen to be a person of color and have a disability.
By being in those spaces you're defying the labels and expectations society has of you, by JUST BEING YOU.

You can be everything you dream of with the right information, opportunities, and ACCESS.

Love who you are, be who you wanna be, take up space and know we've got your back!

Whats your story?
Have you started your path to your passion?
Thinking about post secondary opportunities?

If you've been told college and university are not for you, how will you know if you dont try?

We know college and university arent for everyone but too often Black and racialized neurodiverse youth are told what they CAN'T do and what they shouldn't try.

Today we see the power and solidarity of university students using their voices their power, to affect change (national and international student protests against wars and violent conflicts in places like Palestine, Sudan, and Congo).

Theres so much you CAN do, and if you're curious about college & university, check out YAIJs School Transitions.

YAIJs School Transitions Webinar Series is a youth-led initiative connecting neurodiverse students in college & university with youth thinking about entering those spaces.

Join us for Part 3 of our 3 part series.
MAY 29TH at 730pm Toronto time.
We're talking about everything from living on your own, to conquering social fears, and more!
LINK IN BIO or
Register: bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions




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We continue to work on piecing together the emotional-social-mental-academic matrix special education teachers grapple with daily.
This is something that helps me keep things in perspective and lead with an ethics of care.

To learn more about the way YAIJ supports the mental and emotional well being of racialized neurodoverse youth, visit YAIJ.org.

Summer in the City starts July 2nd 2024!
Summer's almost here, its time to get to know your city!

Join YAIJ for a unique summer experience exploring your city, as well aspersonal safety and fundamental skill building.

Meet other neurodiverse youth 16-30 interested in everything from food security, to organized sports, to African art, and everything between.

Choose which week youd like to join in OR explore the city with us for all 7 weeks.
Summer in the City is available in the following cities:
Toronto, Surrey, Halifax.

COST: $150+ HST/person/week

Applications are open now!
Link in bio (bit.ly/SummerintheCity)

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More to share and more to learn!
Part 1 was great and we're following up with part 2 of YAIJs School Transitions webinar .

Join the discussion on April 24th at 730pm Toronto time.

We'll discuss:
1. Crip time and meeting deadlines
2. Self-advocacy
3. Career tracks

If you're a racialized neurodiverse HS student or you work with racialized neurodiverse HS students, you dont want to miss these important conversations about life after high school.

Hear from.neurodiverse students in college & university, accessibility specialists in post-sec, make connections, and explore the possibilities!

Check our bio for the registration link, visit our webpage YAIJ.org OR
Visit:
bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions

IMAGE: A Black student wearing a short afro sits at a desk, pictured from the chest up, faxing camera smiling. Hes wearing a green top.
The post announces the YAIJ School Transitions webinar for BIPOC neurodiverse atudents (webinar 2 of 3). April 24th at 730p Toronto time.

Happy Eid!

Today is one of 2 Eids for the year in the Muslim faith.
This is a time of celebration, reflection, gratitude.

We're grateful for the youth in our YAIJ communiry - youth who join us for 1 activity or many, to learn from.you, grow with you, create firendships and space.

Thanks ro our volunteers, staff, board, and council members for bringing our vision to life. We are grateful for all you do!

Jump in and join us!
Volunteer opportunities: bit.ly/YAIJVolunteer
Roll with us! bit.ly/RolllOutforAutism2024
Students transitioning to post sec:
bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions

🇨🇦

April is Autism Month and YAIJ is raising funds to support youth on the spectrum.
This is a fun 18+ event with guest DJ Jonathan Shaw!
Tickets start at $20.

Tickets are available here:
bit.ly/RollOutforAutism2024


IMAGE: A Black rollerskater w medium afro, a white crop to and jeans shorts, wears long blue socks in her pink skates, her right arm is stretched out and she gives us the peace sign. Her left arm is on her hip.
The poster encourages folx to Roll Out for Autism - a FUNdraiser to help with YAIJ programs for autistic youth.
Registration is at bit.ly/RollOutforAutism2024

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Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice
Hi All,
Dont forget to register for YAIJs School Transitions Webinar on March 27 2024!

Hosted by students, for students, insightful discussions about neurodiversity and the post-secondary environment.
If you've ever thought about going to collwge, university, or trade school, hear from students and accessibility specialists who can share tips, tricks, and school hacks to jump on your journey, and experience life after high school.

Registration is limited, you can register here:
bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions

Exciting Announcement! Calling all secondary students and young adults with learning differences, aged 15-21! LDS - Learn Develop Succeed has a few spots left in our Teen Mentorship program!

Designed to support high school graduation and workforce transition, this program offers:
1. Practical, paid work experience at the East Vancouver Learning Centre
2. Personalized one-to-one instruction in academics and workplace skills.
3. Plus, the program fees are on a generous sliding scale based on household income.

Apply now before spots fill up: https://ldsociety.ca/program/rise-team/

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow and thrive!

Celebrate ALL womxn today and everyday.
We're grateful to the young women of YAIJ creating space, leading change, focused on making the world a better place.
By supporting YAIJ you're supporting women fighting for justice, equity, and belonging for everyone.

Thanks to the long list of women who came before us, who nuture us, and guide our way.

Students are supportung students to not just survive in school, but thrive in post-secondary institutions.

If you're in school, out of school, have had encounters with the law, have very little support at home, this webinar series is for you!
If you're a Black or racialized neurodiverse student in college or university, we'd love to hear from you. Share what you've experienced and learned to navigate your school environment.

JOIN US on March 27th at 730pm Toronto time/430pm Vancouver time, for a learning circle hosted by neurodiverse students in college and university.
Hear from accessibility staff from the University of Toronto, Humber College, Seneca College, and Algonquin College.

Get tips, contacts, and support to complete everything from your application, to your school orientation.

This is aa FREE webinar prioritizing Black and racialized neurodiverse students, high school students, students out of school, students who havent graduated ftom high school.

REGISTER ONLINE: bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions

.oliviagrange .ss .positivity .dss .studentfamilyadvocate .vic .macewan

Have you ever thought about going to college or university? Here are 3 easy steps you can take towards your college, university, or trades dream!

When you're neurodiverse, society sees difference and labels people who are "different" as less than.

Being "different", having a disability doesn't mean you can't go to college, university, or a trade school.

Attend YAIJs School Transitions Web Series to learn more about opportunities for you at college and university. See if its a good fit for you.

1. Register online: bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions
2. Bring a friend.
3. Attend the 1st of 3 webinars starting on March 27th at 730pm (Toronto time).

If you went through elementary and high school being.told you wouldnt make it, or maybe the emotional toll of masking isn't worth the bother, maybe you've been out of school for a while and are thinking about returning, this web series is for you!

If you're Black, Brown, Indigenous, or identify as part of the beautiful BIPOC community, are neurodiverse, have a disability, and want to explore college and/or university, this webinar series is for you!

Register at: bit.ly/YAIJSchoolTransitions