Kids and young adults with disabilities from across South Dakota spent the week in Aberdeen.  They're learning to be self advocates and make a difference.

They heard from a nationally-known speaker Thursday who knows exactly what they're going through.  Richard Pimentel wants everyone to leave the Youth Leadership Forum with confidence.

"The shortest distance between where they are and where they want to be is a road that is illuminated by their own dreams, not by anybody else’s dreams for them," Pimentel said.

There's a movie out about Pimentel's life but he'll be the first to tell you this week in Aberdeen isn't about him. It's about each of the people he's sending that message to.

It was a week filled with fun. But their special guest hopes they leave with a lot more than that.

"I'm telling them to be whatever they want to be. Don't let anyone tell them what they can't do," Pimentel said.

Desiree Syr from Groton came to YLF for her first year. She was recently diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Like every other participant, it was a week of learning about her disability and her rights. She says she also has a better understanding of others.

"At first, I wasn't too sure but I really, really liked it. So I'm glad I came," Syr said.

Syr doesn't expect to be back next year, but she doesn't plan to forget what she's learned.

"There's nothing wrong with people with disabilities; there's just something wrong with the way we perceive them," Pimentel said.

Pimentel has played a big role nationally getting employers to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.