The nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome will sponsor seven advocates to inspire New Jersey Special Education students
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, Inc. (NJCTS) is proud to announce that seven NJCTS Youth Advocates have been selected to deliver keynote presentations at 2016 Dare to Dream High School Student Leadership Conferences.
The New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs sponsors regional Dare to Dream Student Leadership conferences that highlight strategies and information to prepare high school students with disabilities for college and career readiness. Each conference features keynote presentations from accomplished students and young adults with disabilities who have demonstrated exemplary self-advocacy and leadership skills.
As teens and young adults living with Tourette Syndrome—a misunderstood, misdiagnosed neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds and movements known as tics—NJCTS Youth Advocates are uniquely positioned to speak to and inspire others who are overcoming obstacles. Advocates are trained to educate others about Tourette Syndrome promoting acceptance, tolerance, self-advocacy, and leadership.
NJCTS Youth Advocates will be presenting at the following Dare to Dream Conferences.
- April 29 at Mercer County College
- May 9 at Stockton University
- May 12 at Middlesex County College
- May 25 at William Paterson University
- June 3 at Rowan University
According to the Office of Special Education Programs, the Dare to Dream conference program includes a variety of concurrent workshop sessions that provide conference attendees opportunities to gain insight into the transition from school to adult life process. The conference gives students the opportunity to participate in workshops led by their peers on topics such as: self-discovery, student self-advocacy, learning styles, developing career paths and understanding rights and responsibilities in college. Dare to Dream has long been a positive and empowering experience for thousands of New Jersey’s students.
For more information about Tourette Syndrome and the NJCTS Youth Advocate program, visit www.njcts org or call 908-575-7350.
###
NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders, Inc.
Collaborative partnerships for the Tourette Syndrome community