Disability: Juvenile Rhuematoid Arthritis

Assistive devices:  Manual wheelchair

Exchange Organization: Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) fellow
Program Countries: United Arab Emirates and Belize

Program length: One month

Program type: Research project

As Shonda McLaughlin, a professor who uses a wheelchair, prepared to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) fellow, she knew that the infrastructure would not be as accessible as it is in the United States.

“Still,” she says, “I knew that I could adapt.  I played out every scenario in my head before I left.  What if I can’t get off the plane?  How will I get around?  How will I be perceived?  Will I be able to use the restroom?” 

Although accessibility was a challenge during her month-long stay in the UAE, Shonda had the support of a colleague to negotiat inaccessible locations.  She adds, “It was a learning experience for my friend as well. He was used to my independence in the U.S. and realized how inaccessible the environment was when traveling with me in the UAE.”

• Read more about Shonda's experience in the UAE.
• To talk with Shonda about her experience, to request another member of the Peer-to-Peer Network go to Request a Peer.

 Peers are matched using some or all of the following as criteria:

• Country of destination
•  Disability type
• Program type
• Gender