For people with disabilities who are also from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, there can be additional challenges or concerns when planning to go abroad.

Frequently Asked  Questions 

1. Why don't more minority students participate in international exchange?
2. How can Exchange Programs encourage minorities with disabilities to participate?
3. Where can I find out more about minorities with disabilities going abroad?
4. What organizations work with minorities with disabilities?
5. What organizations focus on the education of minorities students?
   

Barriers to Participation

Historically, people with disabilities and racial and ethnic minorities have been excluded from international programs and this contributes to a gap in recruitment, support and dissemination of accurate information. Prospective international exchange participants who have disabilities and are of minority background might face additional obstacles including:

• Insensitivity and discrimination in the international exchange field on many different levels.
  

• When racial and ethnic minority students with disabilities approach study abroad offices, program advisors make assumptions about which programs students can participate in based on their disability and race/ethnicity or both.
  

• Campus minority and disability offices and services are often overlooked when disseminating information about international exchange opportunities and underused when planning how to best serve and prepare for diverse students.

• Fear of international racism and discrimination is also a concern for some prospective participants and their families. While racism and discrimination in the United States exist, living overseas in a new culture and environment might leave participants feeling vulnerable to the possibility of facing different forms of racism. This can be especially daunting if the international exchange program is not trained and sensitive to these concerns.
• Lack of family support of the idea of going abroad.
•  Financial constraints
  

However, while additional barriers might exist, racial and ethnic minorities with disabilities are interested in gaining the benefits achieved through international exchange.

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Encouraging Racial and Ethnic Minorities with Disabilities to Participate

• Traveling Abroad: Why You Must
• Lessons from NCDE's Survey of Front line Staff
• Encouraging Youth with Disabilities to Pursue International Opportunities
• Recruiting People with Disabilities to Increase Diversity in Your International Exchange Programs

Success Stories

• Success Stories sorted by a Diversity of Participants
• Reveca Torres - video
• Travelers with Purpose: People with disabilities on international exchange around the world
• Peer Spotlight: Reveca
• Peer Spotlight: Dr. Shonda McLaughlin
• Peer spotlight: Jason Jones
  

Resources on Racial and Ethnic Minorities with Disabilities and International Exchange

The following resources include exchange programs, disability organizations and other resources that focus on minorities, people with disabilities and minorities with disabilities. They are resources for minorities with disabilities looking for support to pursue international exchange, and exchange programs seeking to increase their understanding of minority and disability issues.

EXCHANGE-RELATED RESOURCES:

E-mail: info@allabroad.us  
Web: http://allabroad.us/index.php

AllAbroad.us offers information for people from monitory/ethnic groups of studying abroad including mentors, recruiting resources, and discussion of the major barriers keeping minority students from going abroad.

United States Department of State
301 4th Street SW, Room 234
Washington, DC 20547
Tel: (202) 619-4360
Fax: (202) 401-5914
Web: http://exchanges.state.gov

The United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for conducting U.S. public diplomacy efforts. The Bureau fosters mutual understanding between people from the U.S. and people from 140 countries around the world though educational and cultural exchanges and other programs. For answers to specific questions on its programming and people with disabilities or disability-related issues, contact David N. Levin, Senior Program Manager and Diversity Coordinator, using the contact information above or via email at levindn@state.gov.

Center for Global Education PLATO
Loyola Marymount University - University Hall
1 LMU Drive, Suite 1840
Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659
Tel: 310-338-7451
Fax: 310-338-2706
E-mail: grhodes@lmu.edu
Web: www.globaled.us/plato/index.html

This committee offers a website, newsletter and listserv addressing the topic of populations that are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. The committee's work includes ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

The Collaborative on Diversity in Education Abroad
1400 I Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 371-9544
E-mail: thecollaborative@psfdc.org

The Collaborative for Diversity in Education Abroad is working to democratize American education abroad throught combine expertise and experiences of its member organizations and associations by developing and implementing a common agenda for shaping public policy, sharing best practices , cultivating resources and support, educating the public, collecting and disseminating data, and facilitating large-scale dialogue on diversifying and democratizing international education.

Council on International Educational Exchange
300 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
Toll-Free: (800) 40-STUDY
Tel: (207) 553-4000
Fax: (207) 553-4299
E-mail: studyinfo@ciee.org
Web: www.ciee.org
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) provides a variety of programs and services for students and teachers. CIEE has scholarships to encourage participation by underrepresented groups, including minorities and people with disabilities. CIEE also participates in a biannual "Committee on Underrepresentation" in international exchange.

Diversity Abroad.com
Tel: (510) 647-5100
Fax: (510) 647-5032
E-mail: nfo@diversityabroad.com  
Web: www.diversityabroad.com

Diversity Abroad was started in 2006 with the vision of a former study abroad student, Andrew Gordon. The concept was simple; to boost the number of minority and low-income students who participate in study abroad. With the assistance of other former study abroad students who were passionate about the vision, he developed the comprehensive study abroad resource center Diversityabroad.com with the purpose making minority and low income students aware of the benefits and opportunities education abroad will bring them.

132 E. Broadway, Suite 343
Eugene, OR 97401
Tel/TTY: (541) 343-1284
Fax: (541) 343-6812
E-mail: exchanges@miusa.org
Web: www.miusa.org
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) has led diversity exchanges to Costa Rica, Mexico, Japan and England since 1995. For an update on this exchange program, contact MIUSA, visit the website, or Sign Up for our Mailing Lists that regularly announces new applications and programs.

MSU Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1035
Tel: (517) 353-8920
Fax: (517) 432-2082
E-mail: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu  
Web: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/people/studentsofcolor  

The Office of Study Abroad at Michigan State University has a specific section of its website for students of color interested in study abroad. It includes general information as well as scholarship information.

1101 Holzapfel Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Tel: (301) 314-7746
Fax: (301) 314-9135
E-mail: studyabr@deans.umd.edu
Web: www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/6230

The UM Study Abroad Office has developed this website with various populations in mind. Use the menu on this page to access information and resources on race/ethnicity; sexual orientation; disability; gender; culture, language and religion and more.

University of Pittsburgh: Making It Happen Project
802 William Pitt Union
Pittsburgh, PA  15260 USA
Tel: (412) 648-7413
Fax:(412) 383-7166
E-mail: abroad@pitt.edu
Web: www.abroad.pitt.edu/makingithappen.html

The Making It Happen Project began in 2002 when staff from the University of Pittsburgh’s Study Abroad Office and Disability Resources and Services began to work together to foster study abroad as a possibility for students with disabilities.They offer success stories, a DVD, and more on encouraging students with disabilities to study abroad.

U.S. Peace Corps Office of Minority Recruitment
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20526
Tel: (800) 424-8580
Web: www.peacecorps.gov

The U.S. Peace Corps Office of Minority Recruitment provides information and support for minorities interested in working as volunteers in more than 90 countries around the world. Peace Corps' mission is to help people in other countries live better through self-sufficiency. Peace Corps is open to U.S. citizens only.

DISABILITY AND MINORITIES:

American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center
The University of Montana Rural Institute:
Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Services
52 Corbin Hall, The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812-7056
Tel: (866) 424-3822
Fax: (406) 243-2349
Web: http://aidtac.ruralinstitute.umt.edu

American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center (AIDTAC) provides information and technical assistance to American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages to help their members with disabilities live healthy, integrated lives within their communities. To request technical assistance, call the number above or e-mail Valerie Costilla at costilla@selway.umt.edu.

American Indian Parent Network
8161 Normandale Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55437
Tel: (800) 537-2237 or (952) 838-9000
Fax: (952) 838-0199
TTY: (952) 838-0190
E-mail: pacer@pacer.org
Web: www.pacer.org/aipn/

The American Indian Parent Network, affiliated with the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights, assists Native American families of children with special needs.

American Indian Rehabilitation Newsletter  (Archive Project)
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 5630
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Tel: (928) 523-4791
Fax: (928) 523-9127
TTY: (928) 523-1695
Web: www4.nau.edu/ihd/airrtc/
The mission of the American Indian Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (AIRRTC) is to improve the quality of life for American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities through research and training that will result in culturally appropriate and responsive rehabilitation services. AIRRTC also seeks to improve employment outcomes and facilitate access to services for American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities, and to increase the participation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the design and delivery of rehabilitation services for employment outcomes.

Association on Higher Education And Disability
107 Commerce Center Drive
Suite 204
Huntersville, NC  28078 USA
Tel/TTY:  (704) 947-7779
Fax:  (704) 948-7779
E-mail: ahead@ahead.org
Web: www.ahead.org

The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) offers a video titled A Culture Undiscovered: The Impact of Learning Disabilities on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students and a publication titled Expanding Postsecondary Options for Minority Students with Disabilities. Additionally, AHEAD's Diversity Special Interest Group aims to increase the awareness of AHEAD members on issues of diversity pertaining to students from historically underrepresented groups (contacts Bea Awoniyi bawoniyi@admin.fsu.edu and Vinson Ballard vinson.ballard@jsums.edu.

Division of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners
1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-5704
Tel: (888) 232-7733 or (703) 620-3660
Fax: (703) 264-9494
TTY: (866) 915-5000
Web: www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutCEC/Communities/Divisions/Division_for_Culturally_and_Linguistically_Diverse_Exceptional_Learners__DDEL_.htm

The Division of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that promotes the advancement and improvement of educational opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse learners with disabilities.

National Asian Deaf Congress
NADC-USA
PO Box 17583
San Diego, CA 92177
E-mail: president@nadc-usa.org
Web: www.nadc-usa.org

The National Asian Deaf Congress (NADC) is a non-profit organization with a mission to define and address the cultural, political and social issues experienced by Asians who are Deaf or hard of hearing. As such, the NADC advocates and provides a network of resources and training opportunities for employment, education and leadership, and promotes cultural and ethnic identities. NADC also provides immigration and acculturation assistance and support for recent immigrants to the United States. NADC's President, Cynthia Plure, is a national Deaf Asian leader specializing in literacy and Deaf immigrant issues. NADC's website also lists Asian Deaf related links to many countries in the Asian and Oceania region of the world.

National Black Deaf Advocates
246 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Tel: (404) 687-8290
Fax: (404) 687-8298
TTY: (404) 687-9155
E-mail: secretary@nbda.org
Web: www.nbda.org

The mission of National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is to promote the educational, cultural, social and economic advancement of deaf and hard of hearing African Americans. NBDA is the oldest and largest consumer organization of Deaf and hard of hearing black Deaf people in the United States.

National Council on Disability
1331 F Street NW, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: (202) 272-2004
Fax: (202) 272-2022
TTY: (202) 272-2074
E-mail: mquigley@ncd.gov
Web: www.ncd.gov

The National Council on Disability (NCD) has produced reports on serving minorities with disabilities which are available online, including Meeting the Unique Needs of Minorities with Disabilities (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/1993/minority.htm), Lift Every Voice: Modernizing Disability Policies and Programs to Serve a Diverse Nation (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/1999/lift_report.htm) and the Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC) for the National Council on Disability Fact Sheet (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/advisory/cultural/cdac_factsheet.htm).

National Minorities with Disabilities Coalition 
1213 Wyndhurst Drive
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Tel: (973) 763-6308
Fax: (609) 897-1055
E-mail:nmdc@nmdc.us
Web: www.nmdc.us

The National Minorities with Disabilities Coalition (NMDC) seeks to develop a mechanism for inclusion, growth and power for all communities of color with disabilities and to be an advocate for equal opportunity. Its activities include  developing and promoting programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities,  disseminating information, and providing a non-partisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance that affect communities of color with disabilities.

Office of Minority Health Resource Center
PO Box 37337
Washington, DC 20013-7337
Tel: (800) 444-6472
Fax: (301) 251-2160
E-mail: info@omhrc.gov
Web: www.omhrc.gov

Office of Minority Health Resource Center is a national resource and referral service on minority health issues, including disability issues.

World Blind Union's Committee on Blind Indigenous People (Issued Based)
c/o South African National Council for the Blind
PO Box 11149
Hatfield
0028 Pretoria SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: (27-12) 452-3811
Fax: (27-12) 346 1177
E-mail: rowland@sancb.org.za
Contact: Dr. William Rowland

The World Blind Union's Committee on Blind Indigenous People promotes the improvement of conditions and access to resources for indigenous people who are blind or visually impaired.

Proyecto Visión
World Institute on Disability
510 16th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, California 94612
Tel: (510) 763-4100
TTY: (510) 208-9493
Fax: (510) 763-4109
E-mail: kathy@wid.org
Web: www.proyectovision.net

Proyecto Visión is a bilingual website for Latinos with disabilities. The site is designed as a resource focusing on employment opportunities, but it also contains information on scholarships, education and links to other resources for Latinos with disabilities in the United States. For more information email Kathy Martinez, Executive Director, at kathy@wid.org.

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EDUCATION AND MINORITIES:

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
8415 Datapoint Drive, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78229
Tel: (210) 692-3805
Fax: (210) 692-0823
E-mail: hacu@hacu.net
Web: www.hacu.net
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents more than 300 colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain that are committed to supporting access to higher education by people who are Hispanic.

Hispanic Outlook
80 Route 4 East, Suite 203
Paramus, NJ 07652
Tel: (201) 587-8800
Fax: (201) 587-9105
E-mail: pub@hispanicoutlook.com
Web: www.hispanicoutlook.com
Hispanic Outlook journal focuses on issues related to higher education for people of Hispanic heritage. It includes regular features on international issues.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Global Initiatives
Association of American Colleges and Universities
1818 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 387-3760
Fax: (202) 265-9532
E-mail: musil@aacu.org
Web: www.aacu.org
Contact: Caryn McTighe Musil, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Global Initiatives
The Association of American Colleges and Universities' Office of Diversity, Equity and Global Initiatives provides a variety of resources on diversity in higher education, and helped create Diversity Web (see Websites section below).

Office of Minorities in Higher Education
American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 939-9395
Fax: (202) 833-5696
E-mail: omhe@ace.nche.edu
Web: www.acenet.edu
The Office of Minorities in Higher Education (OMHE) supervises American Council on Education's Minority Initiative, which was launched in 1987 in response to declining rates of minority participation in higher education. OMHE organizes the annual Educating All of One Nation conference, produces annual reports on minorities in higher education and provides a number of other resources.

Diversityweb.org
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
1818 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 387-3760
Fax: (202) 265-9532
E-mail: diversity@aacu.org
Web: www.diversityweb.org
Diversity Web was developed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and the University of Maryland, and provides resources related to diversity in higher education.

National Women's Health Information Center
8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
Toll Free: (800) 994-9662
TTY: (888) 220-5446
Web: www.womenshealth.gov/wwd/minorities/?style=module
The National Women's Health Information Center has a range of information for women with disabilities on their website. The website also includes information on minority women with disabilities.

 
NOTE: This information sheet primarily focuses on resources for U.S. ethnic or racial minorities with disabilities who are interested in international exchange, and the disability services staff and international exchange staff that work with them. NCDE recognizes that some people with disabilities who are participating in exchange programs to the United States may find that they are part of an ethnic or racial minority while in the United States. There are many U.S. organizations that provide support and advocacy for ethnic and racial minorities. Additionally, many universities and colleges have associations for international students from particular countries or regions, as well as for U.S. students from minority backgrounds. Exchange participants with disabilities in the United States are encouraged to seek out these resources in their host community, or to contact NCDE for personalized resources.

_{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.}