Aubrianna (she/her/hers) recently wrapped up a busy year as a Watson Fellow in which she traveled the world, engaging with disabled artists and activists, and learning from their experiences of building community, joy, and empowerment. She graduated from Middlebury College, participated in an internship with the American Association of People with Disabilities, and brings great passion for disability inclusion in international exchange.
What drew you to NCDE’s mission and work?
Engaging with the NCDE’s work broadened what I imagine is possible and provided me with practical skills to thrive abroad. During my fellowship, I joined local disability communities who deepened my understanding of disability liberation and the power of building cross-cultural connections.
As a disabled person who has had the privilege to travel abroad, I am committed to holding myself accountable to and building reciprocal relationships with global disability communities. I admire the NCDE’s approach to serve as both a resource and a collaborator on interpersonal and systems level change.
What is something you’re looking forward to in your new role?
I am excited to empower people with disabilities to access their dreams of international exchange and build awareness of disability justice in international exchange programs.
You just spent the last year traveling to over 30 locations in eight countries around the world as a Watson Fellow engaging with the disability community. Do you have any advice for other travelers about how to connect with the local disability community when they travel abroad?
The generous support and local wisdom people with disabilities shared before and during my time abroad was invaluable.
One strategy that I found helpful was reaching out to local disability organizations. This might look like searching “disability” “organization” “Location” in Google and finding the website of an organization you’d like to connect with. You may choose to send an email introducing yourself and asking if there is anyone who is open to connecting or sharing resources. Asking, “What does disability community look like for you?” or if they know of any possibilities to join disability communities can be a great first step!
In my experience, building a relationship with even just one local with a disability opened up so many opportunities.
Besides making connections to the disability community, do you have any go-to practices when you travel to a new place (e.g. a great bakery, interesting murals, send a postcard, etc.)?
When settling in a new place, I love exploring the nearby grocery store on my first or second day. I make it a priority to discover what is available and brainstorm possible recipes to try. I recommend being observant of what locals are picking up. This strategy led me to a delicious Scottish ice cream brand that I miss to this day.
Another one of my travel practices is visiting nearby museums and art galleries to learn more about the histories and cultures of the place. This helps ground me in stories of the land and people. I have also noticed that museums and art galleries are often spaces of innovative accessibility. Joining disability-centered programming and inclusive guided tours enabled me to connect with local disability communities and learn more of their shared histories.
Where do you do your most creative thinking?
I have many fond memories of journaling on buses and trains. Looking out the window and watching the world pass by created moments to reflect. During my fellowship, I thought about where I had been and where I was going–whether that be a disability-led art group, a conference, or a new country to explore.
