Session 2 | The Future is Accessible: How International Internships Open Doors to Students with Disabilities Tuesday, June 15 at 12:00noon – 1:15pm EST Presentation 1: The Future is Accessible: How International Internships Open Doors to Students with Disabilities To spotlight an underrepresented population within the world of global internships, this session will center the voices and perspectives of global interns with disabilities. The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange interviewed over a dozen U.S. students with disabilities about their international internship experiences. Some of these alumni will share their stories, which are diverse in terms of disability, identity, internship destination, program type, and career goals. What these alumni have in common is that their experiences had a transformative impact on their career trajectories, their communities at home and abroad, and for some, how they – and others – see themselves in the world. To complement the perspectives of the global internship alumni with disabilities, this session will discuss how international educators, institutions, program providers, and others can take action to mitigate common barriers to the participation of students with disabilities and uphold their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Presenter: Ashley Holben, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) Presentation 2: Are Global Internship Opportunities Accessible? Supporting Students with Disabilities Abroad Northeastern University students are working abroad in more than 80 countries annually. Students with disabilities have unique needs that must be addressed before they can take part in such an opportunity. This session will explore best practices, including differences in law, logistical preparation for travel and living abroad, disclosing disability, and resources available to those who wish to pursue these global experiences. Presenters: Max Sederer, Northeastern University Kyle Droz, Northeastern University Sally Conant, Northeastern University Presentation 3: The Amandla Project This presentation will detail the program structure of the Amandla Project and the innovative ways in which it increases access to internships, experiential learning, and leadership development abroad for college students with physical disabilities. Additionally, the story of the program’s formation will be discussed, illuminating common barriers faced by students with disabilities in pursuit of internships abroad. Presenter: Alexander Stone, The Amandla Project
Learn more about GIC 2021 at the conference website.
