The ASE Community Youth Coalition

Who We Are

The ASE Community Youth Coalition (ACYC) is a national network of Black students and youth with disabilities, consciously and collectively working towards our collective advancement. Our work is grounded in the 10 disability justice principles, Black feminist theory, and holistically eradicating anti-Black racism.

We are leaders, advocates, and change-makers between the ages of 13-29 with unique talents and knowledge through lived experiences of visible and invisible disabilities across Canada. We are guided by powerful mentors and “aged out” youth members.

Black young adults huddled together smiling

Purpose

The purpose of this Coalition is to address disparities and eradicate barriers by creating a national public forum and safe space where Black Youth with disabilities can discuss, negotiate, champion, lead change, support each other, and feel empowered to advocate for their needs in their respective institutions. .

Black woman in a fall coat, with red scarf smiling while looking at their laptop

Vision

ACYC envisions a world where all Black Canadian youth with disabilities are inspired and equipped to realize and actualize the future they want

Black woman in a wheel chair smiling while looking up at a black man who has locs.

Mission

The full inclusion and participation of Black youth with disabilities across the country, collectively working towards our community’s advancement By Us, For Us. Nurturing, empowering, and transforming youth into self-reliant, interdependent leaders across Canada. ACYC is focused on the development and advancement of all Black youth with disabilities across

Canada- while honouring the wholeness of each person.

Black man sitting in office lounge on his laptop. He is wearing a dark blue shirt and olivish pants.

Values

COMMITMENT TO CROSS-DISABILITY SOLIDARITY
INTERSECTIONALITY
SUSTAINABILITY
LEADERSHIP OF THOSE MOST IMPACTED / ACCOUNTABILITY
COLLECTIVE ACTION/LIBERATION

Working Principles

To build, create and sustain a stronger sense of community amongst Black students with disabilities nationally
To be a communication hub between different student groups, cohorts/generations on a national scale
To use this space as a platform to support and advocate for Black students with disabilities and student-led activities within the caucus
To represent the national collective interest of Black students with disabilities at steering committee, and act as a communication link between ASE, the student groups, programs administration and institutional officials

Black woman holding a binder smiling at the camera while people are walking by in the background