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Disability rights. Empowerment. Leadership. International experiences. Global activism.
Did you know that the organization Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is working on these issues right here in Eugene, Oregon? In recognition of Disability Mentoring Day, we welcomed local youth with disabilities and others into our office to learn about our work and to explore opportunities for becoming global leaders and world travelers.
For this year's CIEE annual conference, the theme looks at students today as having been "born digital":
They have never known a world without broadband internet, smartphones, or the ability to reach into their pocket for the answer to almost any question. They are resourceful researchers and future-focused pragmatists who fully expect to be successful on their own terms.
Volunteerism, also known as community service, is highly valued in the United States. Anyone can be a volunteer, and many international visitors with disabilities have volunteered in their U.S. host communities. Although volunteer positions are unpaid, there are many possible benefits. Make a difference in your U.S. host community by volunteering your time and talent!
"It's a stuffed bell pepper with rice, meat and different kinds of vegetables." My parents listened intently as I translated the waiter's explanation of this traditional Peruvian dish.
As a blind person, I was used to having a sighted intermediary explain the menu, and tell the waiter what I wanted. But this was different. Everything on the menu and all the conversation around us was in Spanish and I was the only one of our group who could understand it. I turn to the waiter and referring to my parents, I explained, "She'll have the stuffed bell pepper and he wants the soup."
From gathering information, to expressing ideas, and staying engaged – individuals learn in various ways.
MIUSA implements short-term international exchange programs in the United States and abroad and has worked with over 2,300 alumni with and without disabilities from over 135 countries. These alumni leaders are part of a global MIUSA family. Our unique programs focus on youth, young adults, parents, professionals and women in a world where people with disabilities commonly face discrimination, barriers and isolation, especially as they become leaders. These alumni leaders are part of a global MIUSA family.
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While deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) students can face challenges with hearing and listening, their experiences cannot be easily generalized. Some people who are completely deaf are still oral, while others prefer to use sign language. Others are nonsigning and prefer captions. Others simply have difficulty hearing, and can supplement their limited hearing with lipreading. What works for one person might not work for the next, so keep an open dialogue with your students.
Ripple Effects: Travelers with Disabilities Abroad is a podcast brought to you by the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by MIUSA. Enjoy vivid stories from people with disabilities going abroad and the positive impact these experiences have on demonstrating what is possible.
Listen Now for available episodes for Season 3 on SoundCloud. Access transcripts for each episode from the Table of Contents.
Students with learning disabilities (LDs) may struggle in a language classroom, but ultimately reap the same benefits as others.
Consider viewing our discussion on the definition of a learning disability as well as methods of identification by referring to the related resources section at the bottom of this page.
According to Ann Sax Mabbott, who has provided case studies of several students with LDs, many achieve success as language learners and even become foreign language teachers.
As part of the #AccessLanguages campaign, to increase access for students with disabilities learning and teaching a foreign language abroad, MIUSA awards the Mike and Lisa Sygall Fellowship to WILD alumna, Jenny Chinchilla!
In partnership with the University of Oregon, American English Institute (AEI), the award will provide 10 weeks of enrollment in an intensive English course, an internship with MIUSA, and host family placement in Eugene, Oregon this fall.
Professional exchanges, such as internships and fellowships, provide opportunities for international visitors to gain career experience or to share their knowledge or skills while living in the United States. These exchanges can last from a few weeks to a few years. Many people with disabilities have traveled to the U.S. to gain career experience or to share their expertise in a variety of professional fields.
You deal with many diverse locations and programs -- now learn how a diversity of people can take part in what you do.
Disability is diversity. If a person with a disability meets the qualifications and is eligible, start with YES! Accept them first and then focus on how to provide reasonable accommodations that make the program accessible. It's about equal opportunity.
By building flexibility into your programs, you meet more people's needs. What works for someone with a disability can benefit others too.
The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English language skills to talented non-elite 14–18 year-olds through after-school classes and intensive summer sessions.
Mongolia: The Regional English Language Office (RELO) assisted with the creation of a program for Deaf and Blind students to gain knowledge of American Sign Language, Braille tactile writing skills, and enriched knowledge about American culture, friendship and opportunities towards the students’ future.