We are so energized to write this blog in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), because it brings together two topics that we care about deeply, that might on the surface seem unrelated but in fact are intricately connected.
The first is access to meaningful employment for people with disabilities. This has long been a focus of discussion, activism, and policy. We had high hopes that the Americans with Disabilities Act would lead to solutions to the employment barriers faced by people with disabilities, but we still have far to go.
Second, we are passionate about encouraging people with disabilities to engage in international exchange opportunities. We know that international experiences can enhance individuals’ potential for successful employment.
Could motivating people with disabilities to participate in international exchange be one key to improving access to employment?
What exactly is international exchange? It can be anything from visiting another country for a few weeks to learn a language, to a full year in a high school exchange program, living with a host family. It could be an opportunity to study abroad at college, university, or community college; to volunteer abroad for a few weeks or up to two years; or to build your expertise through an international professional exchange.
There are so many options available to people with all types of disabilities and non-disabled folks alike. Many come with full scholarships, such as Peace Corps, Rotary International, Fulbright, CIEE, and the FLEX or YES Abroad programs, to name just a few.
Participating in these transformative experiences can enhance college or university applications and boost résumés. Perhaps most importantly, international exchange programs build skills that we know are so vital in this complex global world, such as critical thinking, confidence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.
So why are so few people with disabilities taking advantage of international exchange opportunities, especially when these experiences could make us more competitive for employment? This is a connection that needs more attention. We, at MIUSA, are proud to be one of the leaders of this conversation.
The National Clearinghouse on Disability Exchange (NCDE), a project administered by MIUSA and funded by the U.S. Department of State, gives free technical assistance to anyone with a disability who wants to learn more. We are here to answer questions and offer guidance along the way, from how to use your vocational rehabilitation funds, to obtaining scholarships, traveling with a personal assistant, navigating challenging spaces with your wheelchair, and so many other questions.
Why are we at MIUSA so excited about writing this blog? Because we have had the opportunity to study, volunteer or learn languages in places like Chile, Japan, and Australia. We have seen how these experiences have trampolined us to new career opportunities. And, we are passionate about encouraging people with disabilities, as widely as possible, to explore international exchange as an essential strategy of improving access to employment.
Let’s bring these two topics – employment and international exchange – together. For those working so fervently to ensure the best possible employment opportunities for people with disabilities: encouraging participation in international exchange should be at the top of your list.
For more information and resources to support your exchange journey, visit the NCDE resource library or contact us at clearinghouse@miusa.org.
Join MIUSA at the Harkin International Disability Employment Summit December 18-19, 2024 in Washington, D.C. to explore these topics and others related to access to employment for all.
By Susan Sygall and Laurie Laird
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