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Transition, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Study AbroadResources on how special education teachers, transition and VR specialists and parents of youth with disabilities can encourage high school students to explore overseas opportunities, both broadening their interests in other cultures and their future career options. Also how they can welcome and work with international youth with disabilities hosted in their home communities.
Marshall Peters, Director of Direction Services, and Susan Sygall, CEO of Mobility International USA (in a joint letter) Caption: Megan participated in a volunteer abroad program to Peru and Costa Rica with Cross Cultural Solutions when in high school (pictured here in her power wheelchair). She also did a European exchange with People to People International.
Alina Ivanova Video InterviewAlina talks about why she feels an international exchange experience is important, what her parents thought about it and how she talked to them, initial impressions of the U.S. and advice for other people with disabilities who would like to participate in international exchange. Reflecting on their Teen Experiences AbroadYoung adults with disabilities discuss the impact their short-term exchange experiences during high school had on their lives in the years that followed. Powerpoint Presentation: Building Futures through International ExchangePresented by Lydia Shula of Mobility International USA with MIUSA Bahrain exchange program alumni, at the Oregon Building Futures conference on transitions for youth with disabilities in Tigard, Oregon in October, 2008. Teleconference: Achieving Successful Transition and Employment through International ExperiencesRead the full transcript from a teleconference on exploring study abroad as a tool to self-sufficiency and long-term employment for people with disabilities Teleconference: Independence Beyond Borders - For Parents of Children with Disabilities and Youth InfluencersParents, youth with disabilities and other professionals working to assist youth with disabilities to achieve goals of independence can read this transcript to learn how having an international exchange experience can play an integral role in the successful transition of youth with disabilities into the global community. Teleconference: International Travel- Journey to a New BeginningThis National Youth Leadership Network teleconference included presentations by several young people with disabilities who share what having an international experience meant to them. Teleconference: Yes, Youth with Disabilities Can Travel to Study AbroadThis National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) teleconference explains more in-depth about the reasons international exchange programs are important for youth with disabilities, the practical advice on how to make these experiences possible, and the steps that can be taken to achieve international participation. Sports Related & Outdoor Adventure International ExchangesA brief look at sports related and outdoor adventure exchanges. Building Youth with Disabilities Awareness of International ExchangesParents, educators and people who work with youth are in the most direct positions to give youth with disabilities the information and encouragement that they need to pursue international opportunities. Study Abroad Handout for VR CounselorsA useful handout to distribute to VR counselors explaining the specifics of using VR funding for study abroad. Are Foreign Exchange Students with Disabilities Covered by U.S. Laws?Understanding entitlement and protection services under U.S. special education law for exchange students with disabilities studying in the United States. Finding a Host for a High School Foreign Exchange Student who is BlindLearn how a Texas school district worked with a ERDT/SHARE student with a visual impairment from Russia to make her FLEX exchange experience a success. Building Bridges Around the World (U.S./Argentina)Learn how one Rotary club made its international youth exchange inclusive of blind students through specific outreach and the community's assistance. An U.S. Community Rallies Support for a High School Exchange StudentHow an AYUSA community representative navigated the educational differences between the U.S. and Lebanon when hosting a Lebanese blind exchange student and how existing U.S. resources bridged the differences. Accommodations for High School Students with Disabilities Interested in Studying in the United StatesStrategies to maximize the success of educational exchanges for foreign exchange students with disabilities in U.S. high schools. International Education and Alternative Travel Database (goabroad.com)This comprehensive website allows one to search for all types of international exchange opportunities for high school students through senior citizens -- select from studying, volunteering, teaching, interning, language learning, eco-touring and working abroad opportunities. Gap Year Programs - Go Abroad between High School and CollegeTransitions Abroad shares about international exchange "gap year" programs that young adults can participate in following high school graduation or while taking a break during college. In the website's related links section, learn more about the process and references for organizations that provide gap year adventures abroad. These experiences can be tremendous opportunities for growth and discovery; many young adults return with greater personal maturity and understanding of what career path most interests them. Why participate in international exchanges?People with disabilities have repeatedly shared how international exchange has provided increased confidence, cultural skills, employment opportunities, and more. Read quotes gathered from past focus groups with exchange alumni with disabilities. IEP / Career Planning Tips for ParentsWith transition planning beginning at age 14, it’s never too early for you and your child to think about what kind of life they will live and what kind of impact they might have on the world. Publications, Stories and Blogs
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“All of us want to ensure that youth grow up to be confident young people with the best possible chance of getting a job or continuing their education. Traveling to another country to volunteer, learn a new language or study is a powerful way to further these goals. Non-disabled youth are taking advantage of these opportunities. Why aren’t youth with disabilities? Most parents and young people with disabilities are not aware that these opportunities exist, even with their life-changing potential.”