Youth-serving professionals want every young person to feel welcome, valued, and able to fully participate. Yet many barriers to participation remain invisible until we intentionally examine how our programs, practices, and assumptions shape young people's experiences. This interactive workshop introduces KBD Collaborative's Know Better, Be Better, Do Better framework to explore accessibility as an essential component of high-quality youth development rather than an added responsibility. Participants will deepen their understanding of disability, reflect on personal and organizational beliefs, examine how ableism and other systems influence practice, and explore practical strategies grounded in Positive Youth Development. Throughout the day, participants will develop concrete action steps to create more accessible, inclusive, and relationship-rich environments where every young person can experience belonging and thrive.

Participants will:
-Increase understanding of disability, accessibility, and belonging by examining historical, social, and systems-level perspectives that influence youth experiences.
-Reflect on personal beliefs, assumptions, and organizational practices to identify how ableism and other barriers can unintentionally limit participation and belonging.
-Explore practical inclusion strategies to reduce barriers and expand meaningful participation.
-Develop an action plan to create more accessibility and belonging within youth programs and organizations.

This workshop is open to all youth development professionals and requires registration. The registration fee is $30.00.