Blind people access many mainstream opportunities for international exchange including study, volunteerism and internships, yet they also confront a set of unique challenges such as access to printed materials.
The World Blind Union (WBU) is an organization of associations of blind people across the world, which is actively involved in advancing the rights and opportunities of blind people to access education and employment.
The WBU has been engaged in a project over the last few years to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and as part of this effort, accessible travel has worked its way into the conversation. We believe that part of that dialogue must include international exchange, which is why Justin Harford, Project Coordinator of the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) will be there to share our organization’s experience, build new connections, and cultivate the ones we already have. Check out the video at the beginning of this page in which Justin talks about his experiences studying Latin American history and literature at the Pontifical Catholic University in Chile for the 2010-2011 academic year.
NCDE is a project administered by MIUSA and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Where to Find Us
Join us at our social meet up (time and location to be announced) for food, drinks and conversation. We hope this will be a chance for us to learn more about the work that conference delegates are involved in. It will be a great opportunity to get to know us, learn about our mission to advance the rights and leadership of people with disabilities globally, and to meet with an energetic community of people who are passionate about international exchange.
We will be observing the thematic session on accessible travel and tourism, where we hope to learn the key issues that have been identified by WBU and its membership, and to articulate how that connects with our mission.
Finally, we look forward to taking the many tea breaks throughout the conference to connect with potential allies, alumni, students and professionals as we seek out more chances to advance our mission.
As an organization of people with disabilities, the WBU represents a great opportunity for us to share our information with the blind community while keeping our finger on the pulse of the changing needs and interests of people with disabilities. We hope we will see you there.Visit the WBU website to learn more about the General Assembly.
“Advancing our Rights through International Exchange” blog following the event.
Check out the rest of our Passport to Possibilities video series.
