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2011 U.S./Spain: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program

This 10-day intensive leadership exchange program brought eight young leaders with disabilities from New York City to Madrid, Spain, June 24 – July 4, 2011. Participants strengthened cross-cultural understanding and leadership skills through a blend of cultural enrichment actives and workshops on disability rights topics.

  • Enjoying Local Food and Friends

    Enjoying local food and friends: Dana and a Spanish student Ale discuss disability access over Spanish tapas.

  • Using Many Types of Communication

    Bringing together young leaders with many different disabilities means using just as many types of communication. For example, Deaf students use sign language interpreters to communicate with hearing students.

  • Accessible Playground

    Gissel, a New York City resident, rolled up a ramp at an accessible playground in Spain - the first she had ever experienced.

  • Resting at Plaza Mayor

    The famous Madrid landmark, Plaza Mayor, provides a culturally-rich resting spot after a long day of workshops for students.

  • Meeting Spanish Students

    Cultural exchange in action! Spanish students spend time with MIUSA exchange students to compare and contrast disability access in the U.S. and Spain.

  • Visit to a Guide Dog Training Center

    Madrid's largest Guide Dog Training Center opened its doors (and shared their puppies) for program participants to learn about their work supporting people who use service animals in Spain.

  • Supporting and Helping Each Other

    Part of any MIUSA exchange is supporting and helping each other out! Students who use power wheelchairs form a wheelchair train to roll with their friends in manual wheelchairs.

  • People with Disabilities in the Media

    Students learn about ServiMedia's active efforts to promote disability rights in Spain by bringing positive images of people with disabilities into mainstream media, and employing people with disabilities within their organization.

  • Reflecting on Experiences

    Bon Voyage! Students reflect on their experience in Spain through a bonding and team-building activity.