2012 U.S./Jordan: Young Women with Disabilities Leadership Exchange Program

About the Program

A delegation of women with disabilities from the U.S. will travel to Amman, Jordan to exchange experiences and offer expertise, training, mentorship and consultation to young Jordanian women with disabilities and grassroots disabled women’s organizations.

Program Details

When:

September 2012 (Specific dates to be announced)

Where:

Amman, Jordan

Partner Organizations in Jordan:

I Am A Human Society for Disabled People’s Rights (I Am A Human)

Delegation from the U.S. will include women with all types of disabilities who are:

• Between the ages 22 - 35
  

• Established and emerging leaders working in the fields of women’s empowerment, disability rights, education, advocacy, accessibility, community development, policy and legislation, media, employment and health
  
• Members in organizations led by and for people with disabilities, or by and for women, with particular attention to issues of women and girls with disabilities; OR employment in a business or program committed to inclusion of women and girls with disabilities.
• Committed to and have the capacity for increasing leadership opportunities of women with disabilities in the community and/or country by actively participating in, creating or managing women’s empowerment community based programs.

Program Activities:

The program will be designed to address priority issues for the empowerment of women and girls with disabilities in Jordan, and will provide U.S. delegates an opportunity to exchange experiences, information, resources and expertise, as well as cultures and languages, with young women with disabilities, educators, government representatives, community leaders, youth, community organizers and MIUSA alumni in Jordan. 

During the program, major program activities will include:

• Welcome and closing ceremonies with local hosts
• Meetings with community members and leaders to exchange information, resources, ideas and strategies to increase the capacity of grassroots organizations and/or community organizations to empower women and girls with disabilities.
• Site visits to Disabled Peoples Organizations, women’s organizations, international development field offices, schools and public service agencies.
• Workshops and/or discussions with young women with disabilities on priority issues, including inclusive education, leadership, employment and health. 
• U.S. led workshops and/or training sessions with community leaders, youth, educators and professionals to provide information, resources, and techniques based on particular fields of expertise.
• Cultural activities, including visits to markets and historical landmarks

Accommodations:

• Sign language interpreters are provided by MIUSA for the duration of the program.
• Materials in alternative formats are provided for scheduled program activities.
• Other disability-related accommodations and services available on request.

Language:

The official languages of the program are Arabic, English, American Sign Language (ASL) and Jordanian Sign Language.

• Language translation and sign language interpretation will be provided during formal program workshops, discussions and site visits only.