"I had a good experience in Springfield and I would recommend the Summit to my friends." -- John Green, Geneva
"The Summit was fun, I learned a lot, I met some friends and I want to come back next year." -- Sarah Giesenschlag, Oswego
"I have never seen so many people with different disabilities come together and have fun. It made me feel normal. The only bad part about it was having to go home." -- Meredith Hill, Oak Park
"I have my own dreams for my life. My dream changes. I want to make my own choices as I am getting older. I know what I don't want. Just listen to me and my choice." -- Devin Nance, Antioch
"I really enjoyed the Youth Summit this year. When you go [to the Summit] another time, you know what to expect and spend more time listening to the topics. One of the things I really enjoyed this year was having individuals get up and briefly talk about their disabilities. When you hear about other kids your age with various disabilities,... then you don't feel so alone." --Jeremy Taylor, Villa Park
"The Summit Gives you a chance to find friends that may have other issues and it is good to bounce ideas off each other. It was a good experience and I can't wait to come back next year." -- Steven Wang, Rockton
"I just feel so empowered and rejuvenated by the energy from the other that I believe the Summit does just about as much for me as I hope it does for the youth. --Kim Richter, Decatur
"I know as mentors we are there to help guide the youth participants and share out experiences, but I find each year that I learn so much more from them... -- Jessica Hayes, Springfield
"I think it's a great way for youth from Southern Illinois who don't have the activities and opportunities that other youth from larger cities have to meet their peers... and I always enjoy myself; meeting the youth and hearing what they are up to I their communities." -- Terri Shelton, Centralia.
Statewide Independent Living