2012 U.S./China: Inclusive Sports & Recreation for Youth with Disabilities Professional Exchange Program

Seven professionals and one young adult with a disability from the U.S. travel to China to increase the participation of youth with disabilities in non-elite sports, recreation programs and in community life.

View photos from the reciprocal 2011 program in the U.S.

Program Details

When: March 24 - April 4, 2012

Where: Guangzhou, China

Partner Organization in China: Guangzhou English Training Center for the Handicapped (GETCH)

• U.S. professionals who are community leaders, physical education teachers, adaptive physical education specialists, community based recreation program facilitators, adaptive sports equipment experts, and professionals working in the fields of rehabilitation, universal design and law/policy to promote inclusive communities
  

• Women and men with and without disabilities
• One young adult leader with a disability who is between the ages 18 - 25

Program Activities:

This program was designed to address the needs of youth with disabilities to be active participants in society by increasing their involvement in non-elite sports and recreation activities. The U.S. delegation traveled to Guangzhou, China to offer expertise in inclusive programming strategies for non-elite sports and recreation programs, to increase the capacity of physical education teachers and coaches to include youth with disabilities in their programs, and train professionals on disability inclusive practices in schools, youth programs and sports clubs.

• U.S. led workshops and training sessions with community leaders, youth, educators, government officials and professionals to provide information, resources, and techniques based on particular fields of expertise.
  
• Meetings with community members and leaders to exchange information, resources, ideas and strategies to increase inclusive non-elite sport and recreation opportunities for youth with disabilities.
  
• Site visits to disabled peoples' organizations, academic institutions, youth programs and public service agencies.
  
• Workshops and/or discussions with youth with and without disabilities on priority issues for young people with disabilities in China, including inclusive recreational activities and school-based programs.
  
• Cultural activities, including visits to markets and historical landmarks.