Photo by: Barbara Williams-Sheng

Delegates of MIUSA’s 3rd International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD 2006) represented 30 countries and 30 professions, and spoke 27 spoken languages and seven sign languages. WILD 2006 delegates came together with one powerful goal: to work hard and forge solutions, so the human rights and dreams of every disabled woman, in urban and rural communities throughout the world, are respected and supported.

From Syria to Fiji, the Republic of Moldova to Chile, 30 determined women leaders with disabilities traveled to Eugene, Oregon, to tap into the resources of our “disability positive” local community, to extract key lessons learned from US disability activists, and to expand knowledge about what is possible and gain insights from fellow WILD sisters.

During the 18-day program, the WILD delegation challenged barriers, sought out new skills and created innovative solutions for advancing the human rights of women with disabilities in their communities. Through a series of intensive workshops led by MIUSA, WILD women gave life to ideas for social change. From self-defense training and rafting the McKenzie River, to hands-on workshops focused on using the media, implementing policy and legislation, networking with international allies, improving employment and educational opportunities, and advocating for accessible health care, the WILD program provided the framework for these amazing women to move forward in their personal and professional roles as disabled world leaders.