About Australia...

The name Australia comes from the Latin Terra Australis Incognito, which means 'the unknown southern land'.  Nowadays, the country is known for many things including a rich indigenous culture, multiculturalism, stunning ecological wonders, and a fun-loving population.

The indigenous peoples of Australia have lived on the continent for over 40,000 years, but currently represent about 2.5% of the population.  Since colonization by the British in 1788 Australia has been home to many immigrants, and today over a quarter of the population was born outside of the country.

Australia is a country of dramatic ecological and geological wonders.  It has the distinction of being the world's largest inhabited island and smallest continent.  It also boasts the world's the world's largest coral reef ecosystem (the only organic living collective visible from Earth's orbit).  About 85% of Australia's population lives with in an hour of the 37,000 kilometers of coastline, and it has some of the best beaches on the planet.  Though many tourists come to explore these beaches over 44% of Australia's land mass is desert!

Disability History and Information

In the 1980s Australia, in which about 18% of the population has a disability, responded to community pressure by reviewing services for people with disabilities and creating the Disability Services Act of 1986, which shifted focus from institutionalization and segregation to encouraging inclusion and accessibility.  The Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 furthered the rights of people with disabilities in Australia by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability.

Even before these laws were created Australia was participating in important milestones in disability history.  For example, the first guide dog training facility was established in 1952, power wheelchairs became available in the 1970's, and in 1978 the first cochlear implant operation ever was performed in Australia.

Disability laws in Australia require public transportation, education, telecommunication and buildings (among other things) to be accessible.  The improvements to accessibility and equal rights for people with disabilities in Australia have been due in large part to the efforts of the disabled community in the country.

Disability Organizations

Disability organizations working in Australia can be an invaluable resource before, during and even after your international exchange experience.  Below is a limited list of organizations working in the country. For a more comprehensive list, visit MIUSA's on-line searchable database of disability organizations in Australia.

Exchange Programs

Scholarships, Fellowships and Internships

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State sponsors several scholarship, fellowship and internship programs available to university students, scholars and professionals from Australia and the United States. Information about the programs is available by contacting the ECA.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is committed to ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of American society and culture.  The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of both Americans and foreign citizens in its programs from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

http://exchanges.state.gov/education

Scholarships/Fellowships

There are several Fulbright opportunities to Australia. For information about the programs, go to Fulbright Online or the Australian-American Fulbright Commission.

IIEPassport - Study Abroad Funding
This site lists scholarship opportunities for US students studying in Australia.

Scholarships Around the US - Australia Scholarships
A list of grants and fellowships for US citizens to study in Australia as well as for Australian scholars to study in the US.

Golden Key International Honour Society
A listing of scholarships and awards for which Golden Key members advisors and chapters can apply. Application requirements and procedures are listed for each scholarship.

Resources from the NCDE focusing on Australia

• Read Jenny Shaw's helpful advice about Traveling to Australia as a Student or as a Volunteer with a disability!
• Learn from advisor Cara Besch's experiences working with students who have disabilities -  One Advisor to Another: How to Transfer Core Advising Skills When Working With Visually Impaired and Blind Students
  
• Utilize our site visit report to Australia's LaTrobe University.
• Hear Angel Miles's perspective of studying in Australia - No Worries: Studying Abroad in Perth, Western Australia.
  

Share YOUR Story!!

Are you someone with a disability who participated in an exchange program to Australia, a person from Australia with a disability who has studied or worked in the US, or a international exchange professional who has worked with students with disabilities going to or coming from Australia?  If so, we would love to hear from you about your story, and possibly post it on our website.  Please contact clearinghouse@miusa.org for more information.

Links

CIA Factbook: Australia

Access Information for Melbourne

Australia's Official Tourism Website

Lonely Planet: Australia

List of Australia Newspapers online

Current Time in Australia

World Health Organization: Australia

Australian Slang Dictionary

Australian Cuisine

  Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy,misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.