Costa Rica slideshow transcription

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Twelve Americans with disabilities ages 18 - 24 will be exploring Costa Rica and participating in an exciting cross-cultural and cross-disability exchange program! They will become ambassadors of disability pride by sharing cross-cultural disability perspectives with members of the local the community! Delegates will be developing leadership skills, building self-confidence, making friends, and learning Spanish! Delegates will experience Costa Rican culture, food and customs by living with a host family!

MIUSA strives to organize programs that include people with and without disabilities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. First time travelers with disabilities who are from a cultural minority and of low socioeconomic status are included every year. MIUSA exchange programs are inclusive of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, or have cognitive, visual, physical, psychiatric, systemic, non-apparent, or other types of disabilities.

• ASL staff interpreters are provided by MIUSA for the duration of the program.
• Materials in alternative formats are provided for all scheduled program activities.
• Personal assistant funding may be available to assist participants who need personal assistance during the program.
  

Related Information and Resources

Article about MIUSA's Costa Rica Program

• See how one Deaf delegate learned LESCO and connected with the deaf community.

•  See how 15 delegates changed their world perspective.
  

Learn about Cost Rica!

• Cultural, geographical, historical and general travel information as well as disability organizations and international exchange programs in this gem of Central America.

Success Stories

• Read stories from individuals and professional staff about disability and exchange joys, challenges, and tips!

Scholarship Resource Links

• SYTA Youth Foundation
• NCDE Funding Lists

• Air Travel Tips
• Medications
• Mobility Disabilities
• Personal Assistant
• Power Wheelchair 
• Travel Equipment Tipsheet

Past Sponsors:

The 2008 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program is funded by the New York Community Trust DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund, established in Community Funds by the co-founder of The Reader's Digest Association. For the past fourteen years, MIUSA has received the generous support of the DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund, established by the founder of The Reader's Digest Association, to provide an educational travel opportunity to young adults with disabilities from diverse communities.