Adam Burnett Receives Spirit of Hope Award

Every year the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) presents the Spirit of Hope Award, in memory of John Peterson.  This award celebrates people from all walks of life that recognize the potential and worth of youth with disabilities in Kansas.  Adam Burnett, Director of Core Services, received the Spirit of Hope Award from KYEA during RCIL’s recent staff meeting.  Adam has made working with youth with disabilities his life’s work and his legacy during his 20 plus years with RCIL.  He is passionate about empowering youth with disabilities and he has consistently made his work with youth with disabilities a priority.

Adam assisted with the development and continues to solely implement the Transition Age Independent Living Services (TAILS) curriculum for countless youth with disabilities.  He works with small groups of transition age youth with the objective of the youth becoming aware or growing their awareness of their own self-worth and their importance to others.  He also assists with the development of strength-based goal setting so that the youth envision their future as a successful, independent adult.  From his work delivering the TAILS program, a youth peer support group called Youth Transition Club was developed.  He organizes monthly meetings to keep youth with disabilities connected and to confirm that he is a part of their support network.  Adam also has consistently been at the table with decision makers informing them of the development of youth transition programs and services.  He has led numerous Disability History and Awareness Day events at schools for over ten years.  In recent years, his leadership and commitment is what brought Disability Mentoring Day events to a reality for the youth in Osage County.

Congratulations to Adam for receiving this award!