Leadership and Reentry Workshop

FLEX and YES Students with Disabilities

MIUSA welcomes FLEX and YES students with disabilities in Eugene, Oregon, for a three-day seminar, to provide opportunities for students to:

• Reflect on their disability-related experiences in the U.S.
• Learn more about disability rights history and legislation in the U.S. and Eurasia
• Participate in enrichment activities focused on leadership and the rights of people with disabilities
• Create action plans to encourage other students with disabilities to participate in future FLEX and YES programs

Preparatory Workshop

FLEX and YES Students with Disabilities 

New FLEX and YES students with disabilities travel directly from their home countries to Eugene, Oregon, to participate in an exciting week-long workshop designed to:

• Prepare FLEX and YES students with disabilities to successfully address challenges related to accessibility and inclusion during their FLEX and YES year in the U.S.
• Provide student-specific information and recommendations to assist Placement Organizations to prepare for and respond to challenges related to access and inclusion, and to foster successful experiences of FLEX and YES students with disabilities.
   

American Councils coordinated all travel arrangements for FLEX and YES students to Eugene, Oregon and on to their host communities following the workshop. 

Preparatory Workshop activities included:

• A homestay training experience with host families carefully selected and screened by MIUSA, many of which include a disabled member.
• Interviews with MIUSA staff regarding the students’ disability-related interests, concerns, strengths, ideas and anticipated challenges. 
• Review of FLEX and YES program goals, expectations, procedures, rules and annual schedule.
• Interactive, hands-on workshops on life in the US for people with disabilities including opportunities in education and community activities.
• Opportunities to practice culturally appropriate approaches to disability-related situations. 
• Mentoring sessions with community members. 
• Challenge activities to practice leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Volunteer service activities.
• Action planning to achieve short and long-term goals for the FLEX and YES year.