Costa Rica 2008 Slide Show Script General description of slide show: The following slides each display one to several images of young people participating in the 2007 U.S./Costa Rica Youth Leadership and Disability Rights exchange program. The young men and women represent multiple disabilities and ethnicities. Some young leaders use wheelchairs, others use American Sign Language, one person holds a cane, and others have non-apparent disabilities. People are smiling and taking part in activities such as wheelchair basketball, socializing with Costa Rican friends and beautifying a beach for community service. These photos reveal the vibrant green hues and soft blue skies of Costa Rica's beautiful forests and beaches. Slide 1 Caption: Mobility International USA's (MIUSA) Costa Rica Exchange Program Summer 2008 Slide 2 Caption: Join 13 young women and men with disabilities for a Costa Rican adventure! Slide 3 Caption: "I've had a powerful experience that continues to impact my thoughts and life decisions. Thanks to all who have supported me." - David Gayes, 2007 Alumni from Illinois Slide 4 Building Leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding... Slide 5 No caption Slide 6 Caption: "My leadership skills were strengthened because I learned how to better communicate with people from different backgrounds and with different disabilities." - Amelia Wallrich, 2007 Alumni from Illinois who uses a wheelchair Slide 7 No caption Slide 8 Caption: White text on black background reads Interactive workshops Slide 9 Caption: black text inside a white text box reads Exploring Disability Rights Laws... Slide 10 Caption: Strategies for Advocacy... Slide 11 Caption: "The discussions were stimulating and thought-provoking...I learned so much about the history, struggle and strides towards improvement in accessibility in Costa Rica." -Lisette Ortegon, 2007 Alumna from Illinois who has a health disability Slide 12 Caption: Site Visits... Rehabilitation, education and employment for people with disabilities... Slide 13 No caption Slide 14 Caption: " I learned to ensure accessibility spans across all disabilities. It was empowering and gave me motivation to speak on behalf of others with disabilities." - Emilio Hernandez, 2007 Delegate from Texas who is Blind Slide 15 Caption: Adaptive Recreation Slide 16 Caption: Team building... Slide 17 Caption: "My favorite activity was adaptive sports day because it taught me a lot about communication and teamwork." -Arlenne Negron, 2007 delegate from Florida who is Deaf Slide 18 Caption: International Community Service Slide 19 Caption: Volunteering at Carara National Park Slide 20 Caption: Increasing representation of people with disabilities in volunteer projects... Slide 21 No caption Slide 22 Caption: Improving accessibility... Slide 23 Caption: "With caring and supportive people working together, anywhere and everywhere can become accessible." - Allison Nicola, 2007 delegate from California who uses a wheelchair Slide 24 Caption: "Accessibility should not be seen as a convenience, but as a human right." --Emilio Hernandez, 2007 Alumnus from Texas who is blind Photo: A young Latino man who is blind feels the trunk of an enormous tree. Slide 25 Caption: Experiencing Costa Rican culture, language, food, traditions... Slide 26 Caption: Markets, museums and more... Slide 27 Caption: Living with Costa Rican Host Families... Slide 28 Caption: "The warmth and graciousness of my host family was incredible...they welcomed me as part of their family. I am amazed at how kind Costa Ricans are." - David Gayes, 2007 delegate from Illinois who uses a power wheelchair and personal assistant Slide 29 Caption: A visit to Volcan Poas National Park Slide 30 Caption: Fostering international friendships. Slide 31 Caption: Apply online by March 28, 2008 for this life-changing opportunity! www.miusa.org