A Smoother Transition

Works with adolescents with disabilities and their families to facilitate the transition from both institutional and public schools into the adult human services system. Specialized services include advocacy and information during the development of Individualized Education Plans and social/recreational activities.

NILP Presents TeenFest 2010

The Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP), a non-profit organization serving people with disabilities in the Merrimack Valley for the past 30 years, hosted its' SIXTH ANNUAL TEENFEST summer program for youth with disabilities and youth at risk.

This year, the three week program encompassed a variety of activities. During the first week, the focus was devoted to a new youth initiative called "Build-It-Yourself." Build-It-Yourself teaches youth with disabilities to use technology constructively in a unique global laboratory. The mission is to inspire, guide and prepare youth with disabilities to use technology to become the next generation of tech savvy builders. State-of-the-art Internet tools and technology, some of which were developed in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, are used to deliver a consistent, high-quality, high-value educational experience. The uniqueness of the opportunity is the match of "Twenty Something" mentors with a disability to youth, ages 14- 22, with a disability. The week long program leads the matched team through steps to build their own computer game or web page.

During the second week of TeenFest, the staff and students of the Epic Theatre Ensemble of New York City once again partnered with NILP staff to provide a fun-filled week of theater activities for youth in the greater Merrimack Valley. Teens developed, wrote and acted in a play under the guidance of the Epic Theatre Ensemble staff. The play, entitled "THE ROAD TO SATISFACTION," was based on experiences the youth had growing up and was the result of group development and teamwork. The performance was held Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Parthum Middle School.

The summer program concluded with a week of field trips and activities designed to develop independent living skills and educate the youth on community resources.

Principal funders of TeenFest include: Essex County Community Foundation-Greater Lawrence Summer Fund, The White Fund in North Andover, the Lawrence Rotary Foundation Inc, Citi Bank Andover, Ride-Away in Londonderry NH, and John Galinato of Build-It-Yourself in Cambridge MA. A special thanks to the Lawrence School Department for the use of the Parthum School facilities and for their generosity in providing free breakfast and lunch for our youth.