The idea for the initial Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) program came from the experiences of a young girl, Isabella Franks, who lives with a severe disability. Isabella significantly influenced the personal growth and leadership qualities of fellow students and those around her. From this initial point, the All Abilities Program was born. The aim in this program is to foster development through students with and without disabilities working together in a ‘reverse inclusion’ model.
After a successful pilot during 2017, the program was fully rolled out during 2018 in Hobart. During 2018 the program expanded to the North West Coast in Devonport, with the then Minister for Disability and Community Services, The Hon Jacquie Petrusma officially launching the program in October. During this time we were recognised as a Semi-Finalist in the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards and a Silver Award in the Clarence Business Excellence Awards.
YLOT is an innovative organisation that focuses on building individual capacity by giving young people with disability access to social role modelling, skill development activities and the opportunity to learn from a similar-age peer buddy.
At the commencement of 2020; the All Abilities school program was ready to commence in Burnie and Launceston, making the program state-wide.
A ground-breaking initiative, our programs are transforming the lives of young Tasmanians by:
Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) is a public charitable company limited by guarantee, regulated through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Mathew is currently the Manager of College Operations & Community Liaison at Eastside Lutheran College, bringing his specialised skills from the Parliament of Tasmania to the Education Sector.
In his time with the Legislative Council of Tasmania, Mathew was employed as Executive Assistant to The Hon Dr Vanessa Goodwin MLC, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Corrections, The Arts and Leader of Government in the Legislative Council.
He has worked in a variety of industries, including Hospitality Management, Insurance Claims and a successful Small Business Founder and Owner (Property Maintenance).
Mathew is passionate about the community sector. He is married with two children and volunteers with Surf Life Saving Tasmania, Business East and The Tasmania Fire Service.
Ron is the parent of a child living with disability. He has extensive knowledge of the disability sector having served on the boards of several disability organisations and has consulted to various organisations regarding corporate governance, strategy and large-scale project implementation. He is a founding Director of YLOT and the inaugural Chairperson. He is a corporate governance and strategy consultant and has established several successful businesses. Ron is regularly sought for his business and organisational competencies.
Paul is the parent of a child living with disability. He has extensive first-hand experience of the disability sector and is a staunch advocate for people with disability. Paul is a qualified accountant with high level experience serving in senior finance and accounting roles for major Tasmanian businesses. Paul is the most recent member to join the YLOT Board and brings a high level of financial acumen and a strong understanding of the needs of those living with disability.
Keren is the parent of a child living with disability. She has extensive knowledge of the disability sector having lived experience and working in the sector. Keren is a passionate advocate for inclusion and recognising people of all abilities. Keren is a founding director of YLOT and inaugural CEO, establishing, project managing and operating the organisation in a volunteer capacity before being granted state government funding in August 2018.
Keren has past employment in the disability, vocational training and medical sectors as Business Manager, Trainer & Assessor and Executive Officer. Keren has also successfully worked as a consultant within the business sector. She was a co-founder of the “Snapshot – Celebrating our community” project in 2014 and successfully managed and funded the project through crowd funding and community support.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2008, Amy worked as a teacher in a remote community in the Northern Territory. It was here that Amy discovered her passion for advocating for those with a disability and Amy completed a Masters Degree of Inclusive Education. Amy has been a teacher at Southern Support School since 2016, working extensively with students with a disability.
