Leaders for Inclusion Logo. An outline of a person in a wheelchair with one arm up holding a star in the air. Image includes text 'LFI Leaders For Inclusion.

LFI Program

Leaders For Inclusion

The LFI Program is a Leadership program committed to providing individuals and organizations with tools and resources to develop leadership and create more inclusive spaces.

LFI's Leadership Program is a year long program that provides trainings to young adults ages 18-26 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) that want to gain opportunities and resources to grow their leadership skills. 

Leaders For Inclusion works with organizations by providing:

  • free training on Disability Pride and Inclusion for organizations interested in becoming more inclusive of people with disabilities.
  • Ongoing technical assistance to support organizations in implementing authentic inclusion practices.

 

 

LFI Program

Leaders For Inclusion

The LFI Program is a Leadership program committed to providing individuals and organizations with tools and resources to develop leadership and create more inclusive spaces.

LFI's Leadership Program is a year long program that provides trainings to young adults ages 18-26 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) that want to gain opportunities and resources to grow their leadership skills. 

Leaders For Inclusion works with organizations by providing:

  • free training on Disability Pride and Inclusion for organizations interested in becoming more inclusive of people with disabilities.
  • Ongoing technical assistance to support organizations in implementing authentic inclusion practices.

Core Values

Purple circle with a white outline image of 3 open palm hands

Nothing About Us Without Us

Program Curriculum is for people with disabilities by people with disabilities, with foundations in disability pride.

silhouette of seed sprouting from soil with a human silhouette at the top of the stem

Cultivate and Strengthen

Cultivate and strengthen individuals, through relationship-based activity and topic-based workshops, to serve as advocates for themselves and others.

Provide opportunities for leadership roles or employment in interest/passion areas.

LFI is designed to help people become lifelong leaders.

 

silhouette of human with circle radiating out from the head

Creating Spaces for Inclusion and Belonging

Program Trainings rooted in Disability Justice and inclusive of all identities.

Designed to meet the needs of all participants including those with high/complex support needs

Training community organizations on developing and maintaining internal inclusive practices. 

Apply to Join Leaders For Inclusion (LFI)

Throughout the program participants will:

  • Develop disability pride and self advocacy
  • Expand career building techniques and resources
  • Access a network of leadership opportunities
  • Join a community of emerging leaders across Michigan

Any questions, or if you need assistance filling out the application email - LEADERS@MyMDRC.org

LFI Program Staff

A woman with brown skin and long dark brown braids positioned with her hands crossed and smiling while standing in front of a brick wall. She is wearing black glasses and a black long sleeve blouse.

Ajaunè Thomas

Director of Leadership Programs
Hispanic male with short brown hair in a blue and purple plaid collared shirt with glasses.

Francisco Vaca

Leadership for Inclusion Coordinator
A person with pale ivory skin and dark blonde hair smiling while sitting in a power wheelchair. They are wearing a black blouse with a pattern of red roses.

Laura Hall, MSW

Program Director & Assistive Technology Specialist

Our Funding

LFI was established by funding from the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. LFI work is currently funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

donation icon depicting a hand placing a heart into a donation box

Donate

MDRC is partnered with
Network For Good.
Network For Good allows you
to choose how and when to donate.

Donate

MDRC is partnered with
Network for Good.

Network for Good allows you
to choose how and when you donate.