Mobility International USA
40th Anniversary Book
MIUSA
Advancing disability rights and leadership globally®

Table of Contents
●	Mission, Values and Vision
●	Reflections on MIUSA 
●	Celebrating MIUSA’s History 
●	MIUSA’s global programs 
●	Leadership Exchanges for Youth and Young Adults
●	FLEX and YES Programs: Building the Pipeline of Young Disabled Leaders
●	Professional Exchanges
●	MIUSA Alumni from Around the World
●	Homestay Family Experiences
●	NCDE: Bridging people, programs, and places
●	NCDE’s Global Reach
●	Roundtable Consortium 
●	Inclusive International Development 
●	Advancing Rights of Persons with Disabilities Internationally
●	InterAction
●	United Nations
●	Empowering Women with Disabilities Globally 
●	Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) 
●	Gender, Disability and Development Institute 
●	Scaling Up WILD
●	Brilliant & Resilient
●	Loud, Proud, and Passionate!® Mural 
●	The Story of WILD Performance
●	Disability Inclusion Consulting 
●	Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI)
●	Strategic Consulting 
●	Changing Lives Through Education: Global Perspectives on Disability
●	Planting Seeds for the Future
●	Engage With Us
●	International Advisory Committee
●	MIUSA Staff
●	Acknowledgements
●	Past and Present Major Funders

Mission, Values and Vision
Mission
To empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
Vision
To ensure a just, accessible and inclusive global community in which the human rights, citizenship, contribution and potential of people with disabilities are respected and celebrated.
Values
●	Continue to be an innovator in the international development, international exchange and leadership fields to change policies and empower individuals and organizations
●	Define issues in the context of human rights
●	Focus on outcomes
●	Focus on grassroots work that supports new leaders in the global disability community
●	Collaborate with global partners who share similar goals to bridge communities
●	Effect inclusive practices based on the rights of people with disabilities
●	Support gender-focused programming
●	Serve a cross-disability audience which includes people with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities

Original Graphic Design and layout:
Lilian Winkler-Rios.
Updated design by Beth DeWilde.
Copyright ©2021 Mobility International USA

Reflections on MIUSA
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. They are where they should be. Now put foundations under them.”
– Henry David Thoreau

Susan Sygall, MIUSA Co-Founder and CEO, MacArthur Fellow:
“By celebrating the past, we begin to embrace the future and all the possibilities that it holds. This book is a testament to Mobility International USA’s amazing accomplishments since 1981, made possible by our wonderful staff, donors, partners, host families and alumni around the world.

The future offers endless possibilities in the fields of international development, international exchange and leadership training. By implementing innovative programs, we are building bridges to create a new era where people with disabilities will take their rightful place in the world community.

We are part of a great family of people with disabilities and allies, working together to share our experiences and strategies so that those who follow may have a wider and easier path to achieving their human rights.

We are only limited by our ability to dream of what is possible. At MIUSA, there is no shortage of dreams.”
Barbara Williams-Sheng, Co-Founder, Mobility International USA:
“Many years ago Mobility International USA arose as a dream in the hearts and minds of two dear friends who could hardly talk of anything else; we were planning around the
dinner table, brainstorming, and painting our vision. Truly that time was one of the highlights of my life. It is with humility and gratitude that I congratulate all of the leaders and participants from all over the world for achieving many years of cross-cultural collaboration, and becoming a model non-profit, nongovernmental organization whose impact has changed the world. You are a dream come true.”
Cindy Lewis, Director of Programs, Mobility International USA:
“It has been such an honor to work with so many people around the world. The relationships we have made have enriched all of our lives. What a privilege to be part of this global community, and what a joy to work side by side with people who are passionate about human rights for people with and without disabilities.”
Linda Phelps, founding Board member and past Board President, Mobility International USA 
“As an original member of MIUSA’s Board of Directors, I can look back now to see that we paved the way for people with disabilities to move forward with options. MIUSA encouraged people from so many countries to take risks, challenge themselves and become leaders.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
“All over the world, thousands of people with disabilities are making changes because of Mobility International USA’s programs. They have taken the skills they have learned in MIUSA’s leadership programs and turned them into action for the rights of people with disabilities in the international development field. We are proud to have Oregon as MIUSA’s home.

Congratulations to MIUSA for 40 years of empowering people with disabilities throughout the world and here at home. We look forward to your continued success in making the world a more just place.”

U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR):
“MIUSA’s leadership programs have enabled thousands of people around the world to experience the opportunities shared by Oregonians with disabilities. Working together,
MIUSA has enabled a global disability community to share strategies to work toward a more equitable world. I have personally met some of the delegates of MIUSA’s exchange programs and have heard much praise from my staff about the impact that these programs have had on people with disabilities throughout the world to achieve their human rights and lead disability movements in their countries.”

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR):
“Today, MIUSA celebrates many years of accomplishments that have built international bridges among people with and without disabilities. My hope is that MIUSA will be equally successful in the years to come in building upon a vision of inclusion, empowerment and independence.

Congratulations, MIUSA, for reaching this 40-year milestone! I look forward to many more years of looking to MIUSA as a leader in the field of inclusive international development, international exchange and programs for disabled women’s leadership. We are so proud to have you headquartered in Oregon doing this important work.”

Celebrating MIUSA’s History
The Early Years: 1981 - 1994 
1981
▶MIUSA established
1982
▶Published A Guide to International Educational Exchange and Community Service for People with Disabilities
▶Published Low Cost Travel for Persons Using Wheelchairs
▶Published A Guide to International Workcamps for People with Disabilities
1983
▶International Community Service – Inbound
▶German Professional Exchange – Inbound
▶Published A World of Options – 1st Edition
▶Challenge Yourself and Change the World® (Slideshow)
1984
▶International Community Service Program – Inbound
▶US/Germany Professional Exchange – Outbound
1985
▶England Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Published A World of Options – 2nd Edition
1986
▶US/England Youth, Art and Culture Exchange – Outbound
▶US/Costa Rica Young Disability Professional Exchange – Inbound
▶US/Costa Rica Young Disability Professional Exchange – Outbound
1987
▶United Kingdom – Costa Rica
Delegate Reunion – Inbound
▶US/Italy Youth Exchange –
Inbound
▶Mi Casa Es Su Casa (Video)
1988
▶Germany Youth Exchange – Outbound
▶China Young Professionals Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Germany Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Home is in the Heart (Video)
1989
▶International Young Professional Leadership and Disability Training Exchange – Inbound
1990
▶USSR Youth and Environmental Exchange – Inbound
▶Published You Want to Go Where? Guide to China
▶Emerging Leaders (Video)
1991
▶Mexico Leadership and Disability and Exchange – Inbound
▶Russia Leadership and Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶USSR Environmental and Youth Exchange – Outbound
1992
▶Bulgaria Disabled Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Former Soviet Union Employment & Education Exchange – Inbound
▶Former Soviet Union Environment & Youth Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶International Christian Youth Exchange Community Service Exchange – Inbound
▶Mexico Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶US/Japan Focus on Deaf Issues Exchange – Outbound
1993
▶Bulgaria Youth and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Young Professionals East Asia Employment & Education Exchange – Inbound
▶El Salvador Disabled Veterans Exchange – Inbound
▶Former Soviet Union Young Professional Employment & Education Exchange – Outbound
▶Japan Young Professional Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶Mexico Leadership and Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶Russian Environmental Youth and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Published A New Manual for Integrating People with Disabilities into International Educational Exchange Programs
1994
▶Azerbaijan Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan/YMCA Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Mexico Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶International Young Adult Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶International Youth Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶Philippines Young Professional Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶New Zealand and Australia Professional Disability Rights Exchange – Outbound
▶Mongolia Disability Appropriate Technology Exchange – Outbound

Moving Forward 
1995
▶National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) established
▶Azerbaijan Youth Exchange – Inbound
▶Azerbaijan Youth Exchange – Outbound
▶Mexico Young Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Morelia Enrichment Exchange – Outbound
▶Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Youth and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Russia Leadership and Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶International Youth Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶International Young Adult Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶First Japan YMCA Leadership and Disability Exchange
▶First International Symposium on Issues of Women with Disabilities at the Fourth World Conference on Women Beijing, China – Outbound
▶Russian Adventures (Video)
1996
▶MIUSA 15 Year Reunion – Inbound
▶Russia Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Mexico Youth Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Young International Adult Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶Youth Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan YMCA Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan Disability Rights Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan Consulting on Disability Issues Exchange – Outbound
▶Newly Independent States (NIS) Consulting Disability Issues Exchange – Outbound
▶Looking Back, Looking Forward (Video)
1997
▶Germany Professional Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) – Inbound
▶Mexico Youth Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Young Adult Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan Disability Rights Exchange – Inbound
▶Germany Disability Professional Exchange – Outbound
▶Bosnia Disability Rights Consulting Exchange – Outbound
▶Disability Rights Consulting to Vietnam and Micronesia Exchange – Outbound
▶Published Building Bridges: A Guide to Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange Programs- 1st Edition
▶Published Loud, Proud, and Passionate!® - 1st Edition
▶Published A World of Options – 3rd Edition
▶Published A World Awaits You journal, Volume 1
▶Published A World Awaits You journal, Volume 2
▶Published A Manual for Including Young People with Disabilities into US/NIS Exchange – 1st Edition
1998
▶International Symposium on Women with Disabilities and Microcredit – Inbound
▶Japan Professional Exchange – Inbound
▶Oaxaca Mexico Professional Exchange – Outbound
▶Mexico Disability Youth Leadership Exchange – Outbound
▶International Teen/Parent Leadership Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan YMCA Youth and Disability Exchange – Inbound
▶Japan Professional Exchange – Outbound
▶NCDE Joining Hands Conference brings together key exchange and disability leaders
▶First Campus Collaboration Campaign launched
▶First online survey of college students with disabilities participation in education abroad
▶Published A Manual for Including Young People with Disabilities into US/NIS Exchange – 2nd Edition
▶Published A World Awaits You journal, Volume 3
▶Published A Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
▶Loud, Proud, and Passionate!® (Video)
1999
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Workshop (FLEX)
▶Youth Leadership, Diversity Rights Exchange Costa Rica – Outbound
▶Japan/US Exchange: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Leadership and Disability Rights – Inbound
▶Japan/US Exchange: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Leadership and Disability Rights – Outbound
▶NCDE conducts survey of frontline responses to including people with disabilities
▶Published Campus Collaboration Campaign booklet
▶Published Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide to National and International Disability-Related Laws for International Exchange Organizations and Participants – 1st Edition
▶Published A World Awaits You journal, Volume 4
2000
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Workshop (FLEX)
▶Costa Rica Youth Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Global Options for Women with Disabilities Exchange – Inbound
▶US/Vietnam Disability Professional Exchange – Inbound
▶NCDE conducts two World of Options conferences and expos
▶Social Security Administration Initiative
▶Published A World Awaits You journal – Volume 5
▶Published Building Bridges: A Guide to Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange Programs- 2nd Edition
▶Building Bridges Training Video
2001
▶20th Anniversary Reunion
▶Leadership Exchange for Women with Disabilities from Uzbekistan – Inbound
▶US/Costa Rica Cross Cultural Perspectives on Leadership and Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon Graduate Course
▶Published A World Awaits You journal – Volume 6
2002
▶MIUSA receives a three-year USAID project to include people with disabilities in international development programs
▶Zambia and Zimbabwe: Microcredit project with women with disabilities
▶US/England: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Exchange – Outbound
▶Intensive Leadership Training and Follow-on Exchange Program for Women with Disabilities from Uzbekistan – Inbound
▶Published A World Awaits You journal – Volume 7
▶Published A World Awaits You journal – Volume 8
▶Published Loud, Proud, and Passionate® - 2nd Edition
2003
▶US/England: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability and Performing Arts Exchange – Outbound
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Re-entry Workshop (FLEX)
▶2nd International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶NCDE places Exchange Pioneer interns with disabilities at exchange organizations
▶NCDE awards mini-grants to Strengthening Ties winners
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon Graduate Course
▶Published Disability Networking Across Borders
▶Published Building an Inclusive Development Community: A Manual on Including People with Disabilities in International Development Programs
▶Published A World Awaits You journal – Volume 9
▶Loud, Proud, and Prosperous® - (Video)
2004
▶Timbuktu, Mali: Training with international development organizations and disability organizations
▶US/Japan: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Leadership and Volunteerism Exchange – Outbound
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Re-entry Workshop (FLEX)
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Preparatory Workshop (FLEX)
▶US/Japan: Disability Legislation and Policy Professional Exchange – Inbound
▶Second online survey of college students with disabilities participation in education abroad
2005
▶NCDE launches Muslim World Initiative
▶Jordan: Training with international development and disability organizations
▶US/Japan: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability and Volunteerism Exchange – Outbound
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Re-entry Workshop (FLEX)
▶Future Leaders Exchange Evaluation Preparatory Workshop (FLEX)
▶US/Japan: Disability Legislation and Policy Professional Exchange
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon Graduate Course
▶Published A World Awaits You (U.S. Teen Edition) online journal
▶Published A World Awaits You (International Youth Edition) online journal
2006
▶NCDE launched second Campus Collaboration Campaign
▶Published A World Awaits You (Muslim World Edition) online journal
▶Published A World Awaits You (Non-Apparent Disabilities Edition) online journal
▶Published A World Awaits You (Youth Influencers Edition) online journal
▶US/Japan: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability and Volunteerism Exchange – Outbound
▶3rd International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) – Inbound
▶3rd Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶25th Anniversary Advanced International Leadership and Disability Reunion Institute
▶FLEX Preparatory Workshop
▶Published Building Bridges: A Guide to Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange Programs- 4th Edition
▶25th Anniversary Celebration
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Preparatory Workshop/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶Provided field-based technical assistance for the Building and Inclusive Development Community project in Ecuador, Guatemala and Albania
▶Published Moving towards Inclusion: Stories of People with Disabilities in International Development
2007
▶US/Costa Rica Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program
▶Desert Nights: A Middle Eastern Celebration MIUSA Fundraiser
▶Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) /Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶Published A World Awaits You (Community College Edition) online journal
▶Published A World Awaits You (Foreign Languages Edition) online journal
▶Awarded eight small grants to disabled people’s organizations in Ecuador, Guatemala and Albania
2008
▶US/Bahrain: Youth Citizenship for Disability Inclusion Program – Outbound
▶Latin America International Leadership, Employment and Disability (I-LEAD) Exchange Program – Inbound
▶NCDE Foreign Language and Disability Tele-Training Conference
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Preparatory Workshop
▶Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) /Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶US/Costa Rica Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program – Outbound
▶4th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) – Inbound
▶4th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon Graduate/Undergraduate Course including youth with disabilities
▶FLEX/YES Recruitment Video
2009
▶US/Bahrain: Professional Exchange Program – Outbound
▶International Leadership, Employment and Disability (I-LEAD) Professional Exchange Program – Inbound
▶US/Costa: Rica Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program – Outbound
▶US/Bahrain: Professional Exchange Program – Inbound
▶Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) /Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶A Night in the Global Village Fundraiser
▶Accessing the World through International Exchange Disability Community Seminars in New York and Berkeley
▶Published Preparing for an International Career: Pathways for People with Disabilities
▶Published A Practice of Yes!: Working with Overseas Partners to Include People with Disabilities
▶Published Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities
▶Published Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide to National and International Disability-Related Laws for International Exchange and Participants – 2nd Edition
▶Provided field-based technical assistance on inclusion of children with disabilities in Zambia and Uganda
▶Provided field-based technical assistance for the Building an Inclusive Development Community project in Colombia, Ethiopia, Jordan and Mali
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon Graduate/Undergraduate Course
▶Presented the 1st Disability Inclusion Award at the annual InterAction Forum
▶Published A World Awaits You (ECA Special Edition on U.S. Department of State Exchange Programs)

Expanding Our Horizons
2010
▶Awarded small grants to disability-led organizations in Colombia, Ethiopia, Jordan and Mali
▶Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) /Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶International Leadership, Employment and Disability (I-LEAD) Advanced Exchange Program – Inbound
▶US/Costa: Rica Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program – Outbound
▶5th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶Advanced Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶5th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Bahrain Professional Sports Exchange Program – Outbound
▶Accessing the World through International Exchange Disability Community Seminar in Denver
▶Published A World Awaits You: Volunteering Abroad Edition
▶Provided field-based technical assistance for the Building
an Inclusive Development Community project in Colombia, Ethiopia, Jordan and Mali
▶Provided field-based technical assistance on inclusion of children with disabilities in Zambia and Uganda
2011
▶30th MIUSA Anniversary Celebration
▶Published two AWAY Topics
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
▶Provided intensive trainings for USAID and Disabled People’s organizations in Colombia, Ethiopia and Jordan
▶Provided youth inclusion and parent advocacy trainings in Uganda and Zambia
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶Youth Exchange and Study (YES) recruitment trainings in Morocco, Suriname and Taiwan
▶Bahrain Professional Sports Exchange Program – Inbound
▶China Inclusive Sports for Youth with Disabilities Exchange Program – Inbound
▶Jordan Young Women with Disabilities Exchange Program – Inbound
▶Spain Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Exchange Program – Outbound
2012
▶Convened “Think Tank” advisory meeting for NCDE
▶Published two AWAY Topics booklets
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/ American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Preparatory Workshop
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Leadership and Reentry Workshop
▶Bahrain Professional Sports Exchange Program – Outbound
▶China Inclusive Sports for Youth with Disabilities Exchange Program – Outbound
▶Jordan Young Women with Disabilities Exchange Program – Outbound
▶Spain Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Exchange Program – Outbound
▶6th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶6th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
2013
▶Published AWAY Journal magazine and AWAY Topics booklets
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/ American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Preparatory Workshop
▶Pakistan Professional Disability Leadership Exchange Program – Inbound
▶Empower Partnerships for Inclusive Communities in 19 countries professional exchange program in 19 countries – Inbound and Outbound
▶7th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶7th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Kenya and Tanzania Disability Rights Project with Handicap International
▶Published Brilliant & Resilient: Celebrating the Power of Disabled Women Activists book
2014
▶Published A World Awaits You: Non-Apparent Disabilities and A World Awaits You: Youth with Disabilities
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
▶Convened annual Roundtable Consortium Member advisory meeting
▶Conducted Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State training
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/ American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Preparatory Workshop
▶Armenia Sports for Success Professional Exchange Program – Inbound and Outbound
▶Pakistan Women with Disabilities Exchange Program – Inbound
▶U.K. Youth with Disabilities Leadership and Empowerment Exchange Program – Inbound
▶Empower Partnerships for Inclusive Communities in 20 countries professional exchange program in 20 countries – Inbound and Outbound
▶RightsNow! Strong Communities Through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project launched in Kenya, Mexico and Vietnam
▶Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) Training Manual developed
▶Kenya and Tanzania Disability Rights Project with Handicap International
2015
▶Published Passport to Possibilities video series
▶Conducted U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Foreign Student enrichment seminar U.S. Disability Rights: 25 Years of the ADA and Beyond
▶Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability Training-of-Trainers Program
▶Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability – El Salvador Program
▶Produced The Power of WILD video
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES)/ American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) Preparatory Workshop
▶RightsNow! Strong Communities Through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project trainings conducted in Mexico and Vietnam
▶Brilliant & Resilient Photo Exhibit displayed in cities in the eastern United States, El Salvador, Mexico and Indonesia
▶Celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ADA in partnership with the University of Oregon
▶Produced Season 1 of Ripple Effects podcast on “Blind Abroad”
2016
▶Convened annual NCDE Roundtable Consortium Member advisory meeting
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶YES Malaysia Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Preparatory Workshop
▶Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) Program Arrival and Orientation program
▶Exchanges for All: Disability Inclusion in ECA Exchange Program Training in Washington, D.C.
▶Published A World Awaits You: International Students with Disabilities and A World Awaits You: Experiential Exchanges
▶Launched Global Disability Rights Now!® Resource Center Website
▶Rights Now! Exploring the U.S. Model Conference in Washington, D.C.
▶RightsNow! Strong Communities Through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project trainings and workshops conducted in Armenia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru
▶Developed the Loud, Proud, and Passionate!® Facilitator’s Guide based on the WILD program (available in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish)
▶USAID/IIE Vietnam Disability 10-day Study Tour in Washington, D.C.
▶Brilliant and Resilient Photo Exhibition displayed at the World Bank, the International Forum on Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) in Brazil, and InterAction conference
▶8th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶8th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Produced Season 2 of Ripple Effects podcast on “#Access2Exchange”
▶35th MIUSA Anniversary Celebration
2017
▶Convened annual NCDE Roundtable Consortium Member advisory meeting
▶Brilliant and Resilient Photo Exhibit displayed in Panama, at Oregon State University’s Little Gallery, and at the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
▶Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) – San Francisco
▶Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) in-country trainings in Armenia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Haiti, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Vanuatu
▶U.S./Pakistan Disability Policy Professional Exchange Program
▶U.S./Pakistan Independent Living Exchange Program
▶YES Malaysia Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Arrival and Orientation program
▶RightsNow! Strong Communities Through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Project trainings and technical assistance conducted in Armenia, Guatemala, and Peru
▶Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) Program Arrival and Orientation program
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Arrival and Orientation program
▶Published A World Awaits You: Spotlight on Sub-Saharan Africa and A World Awaits You: People with Disabilities Access Languages
▶Produced Season 3 of Ripple Effects podcast on “Life After Exchange”
▶Disability Mentoring Day Open House at MIUSA
▶Launched Excellence in Development & Disability Inclusion Initiative (EDDI) membership
▶Technical assistance, training and launch of the Coalition for Inclusive Legal Reform (CILR) in Armenia
▶International Advisory Committee formed with 18 inaugural members
2018
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
▶Asia Regional Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) - Sri Lanka
▶RightsNow! Strong Communities Through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project trainings, technical assistance, and training-of-trainers conducted in Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Peru and Vietnam
▶Convened annual NCDE Roundtable Consortium Member advisory meeting
▶Convened NCDE Joining Hands Symposium in Washington, DC
▶Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) Program Arrival and Orientation program
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Arrival and Orientation program
▶MADRE strategic organizational training on disability inclusion conducted in New York
▶Technical assistance and training with DPOs and the Coalition for Inclusive Legal Reform (CILR) in Armenia
▶Produced RightsNow! Changing the Everyday Lives of People with Disabilities through the Power of Law video
2019
▶Zero Project recognized the RightsNow! Project as a 2019 Innovative Practice Awardee
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course
▶MacArthur Foundation organizational training on disability inclusion conducted in Chicago
▶Convened annual NCDE Roundtable Consortium Member advisory meeting
▶NCDE launches first Access to Exchange fellowship
▶Published A World Awaits You: Community Colleges
▶Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) Program Arrival and Orientation program
▶Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)/Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Arrival and Orientation program
▶9th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
▶9th Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI)
▶Loud, Proud, and Passionate!® mural commemorated in downtown City of Eugene
▶Regional Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) Strategic Planning Forum conducted in Bangkok, Thailand
▶Brilliant and Resilient Photo Exhibition displayed at the Bangkok UN Conference Center, Beijing +25 Regional Civil Society Organization Regional Forum
▶The Story of WILD Performance in Collaboration with MacArthur Fellows
▶Leading for Independent Living: Building Resources and Partnerships for Inclusive Communities in Armenia
2020 
▶MADRE strategic organizational refresher training on disability inclusion conducted in New York
▶Global Video Launch and World Premiere of The Story of WILD
▶YES Malaysia Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Arrival and Orientation program
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate virtual course
▶World Pulse strategic organizational virtual training on disability inclusion
▶Leading for Independent Living in Armenia virtual trainings 
▶Preventing Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19 project in Brazil, Haiti, Mongolia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka
▶Disability-led Advocacy for Rights-Based Kenyan Sign Language Legislation in Kenya conducts virtual technical assistance and trainings (in-person and virtual)
▶NCDE Joining Hands Virtual Symposium on International Exchange and Disability
▶Mobilizing Disability Leaders to Promote Inclusive Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal
▶NCDE launches Access to Exchange externship program
▶MIUSA serves as an “Impact Partner” to the MacArthur Foundation and its nonprofit affiliate Lever for Change
▶Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI) membership initiative presents webinars on accessible virtual events and member best practices 
2021
▶ FLEX and YES Arrival Orientations for Students with Disabilities 
▶Disability-led Advocacy for Rights-Based Kenyan Sign Language Legislation in Kenya conducts virtual and in-person trainings 
▶Leading for Independent Living project in Armenia establishes two Independent Living Resource Centers (ILRC) 
▶Leading for Independent Living in Armenia virtual trainings 
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate virtual course
▶Preventing Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19 project in Brazil, Haiti, Mongolia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka
▶Mobilizing Disability Leaders to Promote Inclusive Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal
▶Virtual International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) 
▶Virtual Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI) 
▶U.S./Bahrain Professional Exchange Program virtual workshops 
▶NCDE Access to Exchange externship program 
▶NCDE Joining Hands Virtual Symposium on International Exchange and Disability
▶NCDE launches first Access to Exchange Summer Institute online course
▶NCDE webinar on “Amplifying the Voices of Black Disabled People Abroad” 
▶NCDE and ECA co-host activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program 
▶MIUSA serves as an “Impact Partner” to the MacArthur Foundation and its nonprofit affiliate Lever for Change
▶Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI) membership initiative presents a webinar on hosting interns with disabilities
2022 
▶FLEX and YES Arrival Orientation for Students with Disabilities
▶Leading for Independent Living in Armenia virtual and in-person technical assistance 
▶Mobilizing Disability and Human Rights Leaders for Inclusive COVID-19 Response and Recovery in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia 
▶Mobilizing Disability Rights Leaders to Enforce Disability Rights Law and Policy in Nepal 
▶10th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) 
▶Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI) 
▶Global Perspectives on Disability – University of Oregon graduate/ undergraduate course 
▶U.S./Bahrain Professional Exchange Program virtual workshops 
▶Published A World Awaits You: Experiential Exchanges and A World Awaits You: Intersections Abroad 
▶NCDE Access to Exchange Summit
▶NCDE Access to Exchange externship program
▶MIUSA serves as an “Impact Partner” to the MacArthur Foundation and its nonprofit affiliate Lever for Change
▶Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI) membership initiative presents a webinar on Disability Inclusion Award honorees’ best practices …To be continued!
MIUSA’s Global Programs

International Exchange Programs
MIUSA pioneered short-term international exchange programs in the United States
and abroad beginning in 1981, and has worked with over 2,400 alumni with and without
disabilities from over 136 countries. These alumni leaders are part of a global MIUSA
family. As “change agents,” alumni stay connected to MIUSA through virtual and in-person
activities, and MIUSA continues to utilize their leadership skills as partners, consultants
and trainers throughout the world. 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. During our intensive programs, delegates from
all over the world come together to share information, stories and strategies to find innovative ways to make changes in their communities.

From living with homestay families to participating in community service projects; from climbing ropes high in the treetops to rafting down rapids; from interactive workshops on parenting to seminars on political processes; from utilizing the media to create positive images of our aspirations to forming action plans to revolutionize what is possible for people with disabilities: this is what MIUSA exchange programs are all about. The MIUSA exchange experience changes each of us: on a personal level by developing self-confidence, on a political level by developing a rights-based philosophy and on a global level by networking with disability groups around the world. We live by the motto: Challenge Yourself and Change the World®.

Leadership Exchanges for Youth and Young Adults
Growing up with a disability is not always easy. But imagine being in an environment
for the first time where being disabled is cool. Imagine where suddenly you’re never
left out of an activity such as riding an accessible public bus, camping or river rafting,
but instead are encouraged to engage in the full range of international educational and
career opportunities. You are in an environment where you learn how to assert your
rights as a young person with a disability and to confidently pursue your professional
dream, no matter what others have told you. Returning to your home countries, you
broaden your horizons and find a renewed confidence to increase your leadership skills
and to serve as mentors and recruiters so that others with disabilities can have these
life-changing opportunities. MIUSA’s inbound leadership programs bring young people
from throughout the world to celebrate their disabilities, build alliances and establish
friendships that last beyond the exchange.

MIUSA’s outbound youth exchange programs enable young people with disabilities from the United States, including many from minority backgrounds, to experience just this. We explore other cultures to gain confidence and develop a sense of what it means to be part of a global family.

“As an ambitious and driven person, I will put everything I learned in the program to use. My future lies in the field of civil rights law, which makes the international exchange program to Costa Rica fully relevant to my education.”
Haben Girma, 2009 DeWitt Program alum from the United States

FLEX and YES Programs: Building the Pipeline of Young Disabled Leaders
Just prior to embarking upon their academic year as foreign exchange students in host
communities across the United States, international high school and university exchange
students with diverse disabilities travel to Eugene, Oregon each year for MIUSA’s
leadership orientation. The students are all recipients of prestigious scholarships from the
U.S. Department of State, through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program or the
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program.

During the MIUSA orientation, students learn about U.S. disability rights and culture,
discover assistive technologies, visit a U.S. high school or university, participate in
recreation, volunteer with local organizations, and more. While the students are here,
MIUSA staff and a team of educational professionals work with them to compile information about their skills and access needs. MIUSA provides ongoing technical assistance during the year to recruitment organizations, placement organizations, local coordinators, and host families, to support the students with disabilities in an immersive experience.

“Mobility International has been a source of support for international students with disabilities who participate in the U.S. Department of State’s FLEX and YES exchange programs American Councils administers. MIUSA encourages these students to believe in what is possible and infuses them with the courage to lead and advocate for themselves and others. MIUSA motivates all students to envision a world where they can be judged not by what they cannot do but by who they are. They return to their home countries as empowered alumni with energy to share how they have grown and overcome challenges - and the results have been substantial. MIUSA should be proud of the impact that they and their resources have had on so many students and the future they will build in countries around the world.”
Lisa Choate, Executive Vice President, American Councils

“I have certainly changed in the United States. My exchange year had a huge impact on me. This includes changing my dreams, changing my perspective on people with disabilities. Also seeing how the rights for people with disabilities are making the U.S. more accessible gave me some ideas and goals to apply in my home country.”
Batuhan Demir, 2014-15 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program alum from Turkey

“When MIUSA brings young leaders to the U.S., they have the opportunity during their stays to experience the achievements of the U.S. disability rights movement such as accessible streets, shops and public transportation. They also observe the full inclusion of children with disabilities in regular education classes, and adults living independently and working in the community, which is a departure from their experiences in their home countries. These experiences help visitors envision what is possible, and what they can strive for when they return home.” 
Mary Lou Breslin, Senior Policy Advisor, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund

Professional Exchanges
How can community leaders, government officials, policy makers and other professionals envision the full potential of people with disabilities, when they have never experienced inclusive communities? People often cannot imagine what they have not seen. In MIUSA’s professional exchanges, community leaders, government officials and professionals from around the world expand their vision of what is possible for people with disabilities, through immersion in disability inclusive communities in the U.S. Educators who have only experienced segregated schools visit U.S. classrooms where they see children who are Deaf, blind, or have cerebral palsy or other disabilities, successfully learning alongside non-disabled peers. Policy makers who have never imagined people with disabilities using public transportation ride accessible buses with people using wheelchairs. Parents who are trailblazers for their disabled children’s rights exchange stories and experiences with U.S. parents, and return home equipped with new ideas and strategies. Professionals from other countries learn about successful strategies, as well as lessons learned, from U.S. counterparts in such areas as inclusive education, health care, employment and transportation. In return, U.S. participants gain valuable insights and perspectives that strengthen and reinvigorate their work for inclusive communities.

“I was fortunate to be part of the team of smart, committed professionals from the
U.S. The Bahraini disability advocates, professionals, parents, government officials and
educators were incredibly motivated to move their country forward. I came home from
Bahrain with a bond that I will feel forever.”
Susan Henderson, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)

MIUSA Alumni from Around the World
MIUSA’s global network  includes over 2,400 alumni, the majority of whom have disabilities, and who represent over 136 countries. They serve as advisers, consultants, and partners in much of MIUSA’s work. This peaceful army of disability rights activists makes MIUSA a unique organization, and we are honored that they are part of our global family.

Countries:
●	Afghanistan
●	Albania
●	Algeria
●	Argentina
●	Armenia
●	Australia
●	Azerbaijan
●	Bahrain
●	Bangladesh
●	Barbados
●	Belarus
●	Bolivia
●	Bosnia And
●	Herzegovina
●	Botswana
●	Brazil
●	Bulgaria
●	Burkina Faso
●	Burundi
●	Cambodia
●	Cameroon
●	Canada
●	Chile
●	China
●	Colombia
●	Costa Rica
●	Cote D’Ivoire
●	Croatia
●	Czechia
●	Denmark
●	Democratic Republic
●	of the Congo
●	Dominica
●	Dominican Republic
●	Ecuador
●	Egypt
●	El Salvador
●	England
●	Estonia
●	Ethiopia
●	Fiji
●	Finland
●	France
●	Gambia
●	Georgia
●	Germany
●	Ghana
●	Guatemala
●	Guyana
●	Haiti
●	Honduras
●	Hong Kong
●	Iceland
●	India
●	Indonesia
●	Iraq
●	Ireland
●	Israel
●	Italy
●	Jamaica
●	Japan
●	Jordan
●	Kazakhstan
●	Kenya
●	Kosovo
●	Kyrgyzstan
●	Latvia
●	Lebanon
●	Lesotho
●	Liberia
●	Macedonia
●	Malawi
●	Malaysia
●	Mali
●	Marshall Islands
●	Mauritania
●	Mauritius
●	Mexico
●	Moldova
●	Mongolia
●	Montenegro
●	Morocco
●	Mozambique
●	Myanmar
●	Nepal
●	New Zealand
●	Nicaragua
●	Nigeria
●	Pakistan
●	Palau
●	Palestinian
●	Territories
●	Panama
●	Peru
●	Philippines
●	Poland
●	Portugal
●	Romania
●	Russia
●	Rwanda
●	Saint Lucia
●	Saudi Arabia
●	Scotland
●	Senegal
●	Serbia
●	Seychelles
●	Sierra Leone
●	Singapore
●	Slovakia
●	Solomon
●	Islands
●	Somalia
●	South Africa
●	South Korea
●	South Sudan
●	Spain
●	Sri Lanka
●	St. Kitts &
●	Nevis
●	Sweden
●	Switzerland
●	Syria
●	Taiwan
●	Tajikistan
●	Tanzania
●	Thailand
●	Trinidad
●	Turkey
●	Turkmenistan
●	Uganda
●	Ukraine
●	United Arab
●	Emirates
●	United
●	Kingdom
●	United States
●	of America
●	Uruguay
●	Uzbekistan
●	Vanuatu
●	Vietnam
●	Yemen
●	Zambia
●	Zimbabwe

Homestay Family Experiences
Host families are the heart and soul of the MIUSA cross-cultural experience. Oregon families have opened their homes to hundreds of people with diverse disabilities from around the world. Together, they share meals, explore cultural traditions and learn to navigate new communities. MIUSA delegates become treasured family members, sharing friendships that continue years after the program has ended. 

“Such a great experience! I learned how progressive Eugene is compared to most communities, especially internationally – how fortunate we are! I loved learning about Turkey and Malawi and how these smart, resilient women make life work. … Some of the best times were conversations around the table at meals.”
Judy Abel, 2019 WILD host of delegates from Turkey and Malawi

“When I met my host parents and they took me to their home, I was impressed with their behavior. The way they took care of me, the way they behaved and showed their concern and loved me, I was totally amazed. I felt like home. Their friendly reception changed my notion about American culture … I found them to be friendly, caring, and social.”
Lisi Desai, WILD alum from Bangladesh

NCDE: Bridging People, Programs, and Places
MIUSA’s short-term leadership exchange programs are life-changing, but they are not the only avenue for people with disabilities to experience the world. A young woman using a wheelchair may dream of spending a high school year in Costa Rica. A college graduate with a learning disability may choose to teach English in Japan. A Deaf scholar from Kenya may pursue a Fulbright grant to advance his research in the United States.

That’s where the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) comes in. A project of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and supported in its implementation by Mobility International USA, NCDE is designed to increase the participation of people with disabilities in international exchange between the United States and other countries. Beyond leisure travel, international exchange encompasses experiences like study abroad, Peace Corps service, sports ambassador programs, arts exchanges, overseas internships, professional fellowships. NCDE encourages people with disabilities to “travel with a purpose.”

“Virtually since its inception, Mobility International USA has been an invaluable partner to
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State in
striving to include people with disabilities in international exchange programming. Since
1995, with the launching of the ECA-sponsored National Clearinghouse on Disability
and Exchange, MIUSA has been sending the necessary message about the importance
and relevance of including people with disabilities in international exchange and how to
accomplish that in the United States and around the world. We greatly appreciate and
value our relationship with MIUSA and are very proud of the results of that relationship.”
David Levin, Senior Program Manager and Diversity Coordinator, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

NCDE’s Global Reach
Today NCDE serves a worldwide audience to empower people with disabilities to take advantage of the same international exchange opportunities as non-disabled people, navigating barriers in new cultures and environments along the way. We outreach to communities all over the world including people with disabilities, higher education professionals, youth, parents, educators, and international organizations, recognizing the need to keep information flowing to diverse and underrepresented communities.

“As a wheelchair user who needs personal assistance, information like this makes me happy...I have always felt that overseas experiences were so far out of my reach and now I know what is possible.”
NCDE advisee

“After talking to NCDE staff and receiving many resources and contacts, I feel confident that we are on the right track to support our visiting international fellows to thrive during their program.”
Jill Grana, Senior Project Director at IREX

NCDE offers free services such as:
▶ Information and referral services to answer questions about navigating overseas travel with a disability, how to begin searching for international exchange opportunities and funding, designing international exchange programs for disability access and inclusion, and more.
▶ An online library of over 200 tip sheets for disabled travelers and international exchange advisors. Whether you need to know how to arrange an accessible homestay, budget for inclusion, or arrange disability-related accommodations abroad, we have a tip sheet for that!
▶ Trainings and events to put disability access abroad on any agenda. Our webinars and conference presentations invite a diverse array of presenters and perspectives, and NCDE presents the Joining Hands Symposium to stoke “deep dive” discussion.
▶ Skill-building opportunities for exchange alumni with disabilities to explore careers in international exchange through the “Access to Exchange” externship and fellowship programs.
▶ Journals and books that show what’s possible. Our A World Awaits You journal highlights topics like foreign language learners, international students, and global opportunities through community college. Survival Strategies is a must-read book for aspiring travelers with disabilities.
▶ Videos and podcasts to bring exchange experiences to life. Tune into our Ripple Effects podcast and Passport to Possibilities video series for candid conversations with disabled exchange alumni about the ups and downs (but mostly ups) of life abroad.

Through its free advising service, trainings, and online resources, NCDE is moving steadily
towards making international exchange programs - and the world - more accessible and
inclusive for all.

Roundtable Consortium
NCDE hosts an advisory team of over 20 influential organizations and institutions responsible for developing and carrying out strategies to accomplish the NCDE’s goals. Approximately half of the members are international exchange organizations that promote inbound and/or outbound exchange programming at the secondary, postsecondary, and professional levels, while the other half engage the disability community, specializing in independent living, disability services, and disability rights advocacy. Bridging these organizations through the Roundtable results in a cross-pollination of ideas and collaboration among members, who then share best practices for disability-accessible exchange to colleagues throughout both fields. It’s a win-win!

“We have always appreciated our long-standing partnership with Mobility International USA to engage people with disabilities in international education and citizen diplomacy. Disability is a high priority in our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and we value MIUSA’s guidance to make this world a more just and equitable place through the power of international exchange. Congratulations, MIUSA, on 40 years. May we continue to grow together as we all move forward.”
James Pellow, President & CEO, Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

Inclusive International Development
Inclusion of people with disabilities cuts across all international development programs
that aim to eradicate poverty and enhance quality of life. People with disabilities,
particularly women and girls with disabilities, consistently rank among the poorest of the
poor, yet continue to be overlooked.

From Timbuktu, Mali to Lima, Peru, through the islands of Palau to Amman, Jordan and Hanoi, Vietnam, MIUSA’s trainings have changed the paradigm of international development by framing the inclusion of people with disabilities as a human rights issue. Our extensive international network of grassroots disability-led partner organizations provides a vast resource for non-governmental organization (NGO) consultation, capacity building and partnerships for our colleagues working in international development. MIUSA’s technical assistance ensures that people with disabilities participate fully and equally at all levels of the development process, as volunteers, trainers, field staff, policy makers, community members and administrators.

Advancing Rights of Persons with Disabilities Internationally
Globally, people with disabilities have a critical role to play in the growth and development of strong communities. Strong laws and policies that protect the civil and human rights of people with disabilities are essential to ensuring full participation and contributions of individuals with disabilities to their communities.

The Global Disability Rights Now!® Project worked in partnership with disabled
people’s organizations and governments in Armenia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Peru and
Vietnam to strengthen disability rights laws and policies in order to advance the rights
of people with disabilities. MIUSA worked with a Consortium of U.S. NGOs to deliver
trainings, create an online resource center, and provide technical assistance to disability
rights leaders, civil society and governments, drawing on lessons learned from the passage
and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Among the results: in Armenia, disability leaders incorporated a rights-based framework
into a new disability rights legislation. In Guatemala, human rights lawyers successfully
prosecuted a landmark case of disability discrimination. And in Peru, the rights of people
with disabilities were addressed in the National Human Rights plan for the first time.
Resources and practical tools generated by the project, which was sponsored by the
U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL),
are available in English, Armenian, Spanish and Vietnamese and housed at www.
GlobalDisabilityRightsNow.org.

“The experience and expertise of MIUSA and its U.S.-based consortium partner
organizations are an excellent match for us. We are eager to exchange strategies and
learn from our colleagues in the U.S. and other countries involved in this project.”
Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director, Action to the Community Development Center (ACDC), Vietnam

Implementation of a strong, rights-based law requires a broad base of skilled advocates
and allies. In Kenya, MIUSA is working with Deaf rights leaders to strengthen DisabilityLed Advocacy for Rights-Based Kenyan Sign Language Legislation. With advisors that include U.S. Deaf rights policy experts, Kenyan lawyers and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) interpreters from seven regions, Deaf leaders drafted a rights-based law to ensure that Deaf people have qualified KSL interpreters for education, employment, health care, public services and civic participation. Teams of Deaf and interpreter advocates were dispensed to each region to train Deaf community members to advocate for passage of the law. This project is supported by the Fundamental Freedom Fund, administered by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and sponsored by DRL.

“The part that was helpful was the entire engagement process in this project by
both MIUSA and [Kenya National Association of the Deaf] KNAD. I was engaged
constructively in the discussions and consultations to develop standards to regulate sign
language in Kenya. Currently, Kenya has no set standards. My engagement [was] also with
other key partners in Kenya. The involvement of the government and me as a policy-maker was huge, and clear that public participation was used to collect information.”
Kenyan member of Parliament for persons with disabilities

Building a critical mass of people with disabilities empowered by information and
access to resources is crucial for achieving inclusive communities. Through the
Leading for Independent Living project in Armenia, MIUSA is partnering with two
Armenian DPOs, both led by MIUSA alumni, to establish the country’s first rights-based Independent Living Resource Centers (ILRCs) in two regions of Armenia. With
technical assistance from MIUSA and U.S. Independent Living (IL) leaders, the ILRCs will
offer consumer-led independent living services, including peer support, self-advocacy
training, and information and referrals to resources for education, employment, legal
services, healthcare, and assistive technology. ILRCs will also advocate for national
policies to garner government support for independent living services. The mission of
the project is to empower people with disabilities in Armenia to live independently,
advocate for their rights, and participate fully in their communities. This project is made
possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID).

“One of the most important things for me and for our ILRC consumers is that,
in addition to the local experts, we had wonderful American experts who shared
their expertise with us. This has been extremely important and valuable for our
participants and for our country, to be able to tap into the foreign experience and to
make our community better.”
Rose Avagyan, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, “Agate” Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities, Armenia

During a global pandemic, the world needs to utilize all of its leaders and resources.
That’s why MIUSA launched the Inclusive Responses to Gender-Based Violence
during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a project mobilizing our alumni and other disabled
women leaders in Brazil, Haiti, Mongolia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka. This project
creates opportunities for disabled women leaders and activists to ensure that women
and girls with disabilities can access life-saving services that prevent and prevent from
violence.

In Nepal, MIUSA is also working with DPO partners on Mobilizing Disability Rights
Leaders to Promote Inclusive Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic through
information campaigns, policy advocacy, peer support and community practice webinars
targeting disability led organizations, local officials, government agencies and service
providers. 

InterAction
MIUSA ensures that inclusion of people with disabilities is on the international
development and humanitarian assistance agenda. For over 20 years, we have been an
active member of InterAction, a coalition of U.S.-based international non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s most vulnerable people.

“Over the years, MIUSA’s active leadership has brought many contributions to
InterAction’s coalition of U.S. based international NGOs that focus on the world’s poor
and most vulnerable people. MIUSA’s work transcends national boundaries, bridging the
disability and development communities. MIUSA established the first Disability Inclusion
Award, convened the InterAction Disability Affinity Group, and served as the catalyst
for developing InterAction’s Private Voluntary Organization Standards on Disability.
Their tireless advocacy to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities unequivocally
supports all of our efforts to alleviate the world’s development challenges.”
Sam Worthington, CEO of InterAction

“I want to commend MIUSA on 40 amazing years of advancing the rights of people with disabilities and expanding its expertise in international development, international exchange, and leadership training. Through its active presence in InterAction, MIUSA holds the international development and humanitarian assistance community accountable to ensure that people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities, take their rightful place as leaders throughout the world.”
Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President & CEO of Project Concern International, President of Global
Communities and Board Chair of InterAction

United Nations
On the recommendation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), MIUSA has been granted Special Consultative Status to the United Nations. This status is an important achievement in our organization’s history and entitles MIUSA to designate official representatives to participate in events, conferences and activities of the United Nations. By serving as a consultative advisor, MIUSA contributes to advancing the United Nations’ goals and objectives in the field of disability rights and inclusion.

Empowering Women with Disabilities Globally
One of MIUSA’s unique attributes is that we naturally work with a gender lens.
Empowerment of women is integral to who we are and what we do. In a world in which
women with disabilities are not perceived as leaders, it is critical for us to work together
and support one another.

Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
There are few experiences in life as incredible as being surrounded by disabled women
from all over the world who share a passion for life and pride in being a woman with a
disability.

Our Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) programs bring together new and emerging grassroots women leaders with disabilities from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East to build skills, exchange experiences and strategies, create new visions, and strengthen international networks of support to improve the lives of women and girls with disabilities.

The idea for WILD grew out of the United Nations NGO Forum for Women in Beijing
in 1995, where disabled women from around the world gathered at a MIUSA symposium.
Today, delegates of the WILD Program, or “WILD Women,” build on that same energy as
disabled women activists representing diverse disabilities, countries, and regions of the
world. As change agents in their communities, WILD Women are addressing issues such
as civil and human rights advocacy, reproductive health, education, literacy, economic
empowerment, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

Drawing on WILD’s intensive curriculum focused on movement-building, coalitions, and
infiltrating the human rights and women’s rights spaces, delegates generate ideas for
social change and strategies to move forward in their personal and professional roles as
disabled world leaders. Workshop topics cover using the media, implementing policy and
legislation, networking with international allies, improving employment and educational
opportunities and advocating for accessible health care.

WILD MEDIA
Loud, Proud and Passionate!®: Sense the joy and energy of the WILD program, and join in as the WILD delegates sing, sign, and move to an upbeat tune in this 5-minute music video. The Power of WILD: Explore the surprising history behind WILD and the program’s exponential impact on disabled women and girls in communities around the world.

Disabled women flourish in MIUSA’s women’s leadership programs, from sharing intimate
stories of childhood to celebrating with drums and songs from around the world. WILD’s
“Loud, Proud and Passionate!®” has become the mantra for propelling more than 250
disabled women to the next stages of leadership in 89 countries and counting! We know
that the love and support we feel in this space continues long after WILD alumni board
their separate planes and return to their distant homes.

“When the Beijing UN Women’s Conference ignited the international disabled women’s movement in 1995, MIUSA committed to uniting women with disabilities from around the world. Today the international WILD program provides an invaluable forum for women with disabilities to share their experiences and strategies, build skills and strengthen their networks of support.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Department of State

“WILD exceeded my expectations because when I came back to my country, I had insight, confidence, and hope for the future. And it strengthened my bonds with women with disabilities around the world and gave me motivation to get in touch with women with disabilities in my community because I know this is how we can remove the barriers against our participation in society”
Beyza, WILD alum from Turkey

“When I came back to Ecuador after MIUSA, I think I was able to achieve things on
the organizational level, empower other women with disabilities, and I have been more
involved with organizations that focus on people with disabilities in Ecuador. … I’ve had a
lot of personal growth. After the MIUSA program I studied for my Masters and I achieved
a dream that I had to be a teacher at a university. I can tell you now I am working as
a teacher, a professor, at the University of Ecuador and I’m excited to do educational
inclusivity for people with disabilities.”
Maru, WILD alum from Ecuador

Gender, Disability and Development Institute
There are no better experts for offering insight on inclusion of disabled women in development and humanitarian programs, than disabled women leaders themselves! That’s precisely why MIUSA hosts the Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI), an innovative retreat held concurrently with the Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) program.

In addition to WILD’s delegation of disabled women activists from developing countries, GDDI is attended by senior-level international development and human rights professionals, including international NGOs, foundations, and governmental and intergovernmental organizations. GDDI presents a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in direct dialogue about including women and girls with disabilities in all development and humanitarian sectors, including human rights, emergency response, gender equity, poverty reduction, resettlement, political participation, violence prevention, climate change, and youth leadership.

Over the three-day retreat, strong personal and professional bonds form over deep conversations and shared experiences around a campfire, soaking in the rural landscape. The international development actors return to their organizations with new knowledge about disability-related accommodations, contacts for disabled women’s organizations operating in their program regions, and strategies to bolster their organization’s commitment to disability inclusion. Many attendees continue to stay in touch with the WILD delegates and join forces to collaborate on new projects.

“The WILD women I met at GDDI injected me with an energetic power to go back and raise awareness about policies and programs and to include people with disabilities in every step, starting from designing the program to implementation. I will try to lead the efforts within my organization to advocate for disabled people, especially women and children, and to make sure that they are included. I am so proud to be part of this experience.”
May Hashem, President’s Office of Islamic Relief USA

“GDDI was my gateway for building allies and engaging with international development organizations. One meaningful conversation with the manager of a reproductive health coalition led to my opportunity to be a sponsored delegate and panelist at an international conference and become a member of a global network. [Through those connections] I also had the privilege to participate in several webinars and trainings on COVID-19 responses and related topics.”
Gina Rose Balanlay, WILD alum from the Philippines

Scaling Up WILD
“WILD Women’’ truly are changing the world as they return to their countries with new
tools and renewed commitment to address issues of critical importance to women and
girls with disabilities.

As a proven, effective and scalable program, MIUSA is expanding the reach of the WILD
program by preparing alumni to replicate the unique WILD model globally. To support
this Training-of-Trainers strategy, MIUSA provides seed grants and technical support to
WILD alumni to conduct their own WILD trainings for disabled women and girls in their
countries, using the WILD manual and experience-based curriculum, which is available
to alumni in Arabic, English, French and Spanish. WILD alumni must work in partnership
with a non-disability organization such as a non-governmental organization, a women’s
rights association or government entity. To date, WILD alumni have successfully replicated
the WILD model in over 40 countries, extending leadership training to more than 2,000
women with disabilities at the grassroots level.

Local and regional WILD trainings have resulted in exponential growth of networks
of empowered women with disabilities at the grassroots level. As part of its scaling-up
efforts, MIUSA worked closely with WILD alumni to:
▶ Host the first Regional WILD program in Asia, which brought together women leaders
with disabilities from China, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka for an eight-day training in
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
▶ Promote literacy and education in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi as
part of a global Rotary project.
▶ Launch a new project mobilizing disabled women leaders for inclusive responses to
gender-based violence during the COVID pandemic in Brazil, Haiti, Mongolia, Nigeria,
Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka.

In countries where WILD is scaling up, we are building a critical mass of women leaders with disabilities who are empowered and prepared to advocate for their rights as well as infiltrate the mainstream. As women with disabilities gain more power and visibility, they will have a profound impact on human rights movements and change the face of community development. 

“I will transfer the knowledge and skills that I gained from the WILD Training-ofTrainers to build the capacity of other women with disabilities in my country. Over the years, the multiplier effect of my participation will empower millions of disabled women in Africa and beyond to position themselves as great leaders working to improve the lives of disabled and nondisabled women alike.”
Ekaete Umoh, WILD alum from Nigeria

Brilliant & Resilient
MIUSA’s celebrated Brilliant & Resilient photo exhibit and book recognize the
outstanding leadership, accomplishments and stories of WILD disabled women activists
who are infiltrating broader human rights and gender equality movements. In sharing
their challenges and achievements, WILD women articulate issues that significantly
impact the lives of women with disabilities, such as access to education and employment,
political power, and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and violence prevention services.
The Brilliant & Resilient exhibit, which features 30 disabled women activists, is available
in English and Spanish and has appeared throughout the United States and in museums,
conferences, and embassies around the world.

The book, which is available for purchase separately from the exhibit, features a
collection of photos and vignettes of 50 disabled women activists from 41 countries. Revenues from book sales support the next generation of emerging women leaders with disabilities to participate in MIUSA’s leadership trainings. The photographic exhibition and book honor the 1995 U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, a historic event that ignited the international disabled women’s rights movement. Expect to see Brilliant & Resilient expand into a museum-quality interactive exhibition in the near future!

Loud, Proud and Passionate!® Mural
Disabled women are rarely seen as valued leaders in the global community, but art is
a powerful medium to change the culture of representation. With support from the
local community, MIUSA unveiled a mural in downtown Eugene, Oregon that offers an
artistic celebration of the pride and solidarity of women with disabilities everywhere.
Perhaps the first of its kind, this vibrant mural conveys the WILD program mantra of
“Loud, Proud and Passionate!®” in English, Spanish, Arabic, and French, while its shorthand
“LPP” is depicted in American Sign Language fingerspelling. As they cheer, sign, sing, and
rally together, the disabled women portrayed in the mural are dynamic, powerful, and
confident. Above all, they are Loud, Proud, and Passionate!®

The Story of WILD Performance
What happens when three recipients of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship collaborate
to amplify the voices of disabled women activists globally, through the power of music
and story-telling? You get The Story of WILD! For this avant-garde collaboration, three
MacArthur Fellows – a disability rights activist and two world-class musicians – took
to the stage to tell a story layering live musical performances, personal narrative, and
recorded media conveying the messages, images, challenges, and dreams of the disabled
women leaders who have participated in the Women’s Institute on Leadership and
Disability (WILD) over the years. Following the live performance, MIUSA hosted a virtual
watch party for the global launch of The Story of WILD recording – captioned, audio described, and available in English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and International Sign.

Disability Inclusion Consulting
MIUSA is widely recognized as a leader for change, and our partnerships are one key
reason to our success toward our goal of Advancing Disability Rights and Leadership
Globally®.

Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI)
Through MIUSA’s Excellence in Development and Disability Inclusion (EDDI) membership initiative, member organizations gain access to training, individualized advising and referrals to ensure that their programs are actively reaching people with disabilities. To achieve their equity and inclusion goals, these proactive organizations harness the expertise of leaders with disabilities who are influencing national policies, mobilizing communities, and advocating for changes that uphold human rights. In joining EDDI, organizations demonstrate their leadership and commitment to build inclusive programs, establish access to services, remove barriers, and protect the rights of people with disabilities.

“Joining MIUSA’s EDDI membership has infused us with new ideas for how our
organization can grow as a leader in disability inclusion. We have since been taking
steps to make sure that we are including young people with disabilities in all aspects of
our programming, drawing from EDDI’s one-on-one consultation, webinars, and other
resources. Congratulations, MIUSA, on celebrating 40 years!”
Susan Reichle, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Youth Foundation

“This is our third year as members of EDDI. In that time, we have really valued being part
of this group, exchanging ideas around budgeting for inclusion and data collection, and
learning from all of the excellent work that the members are doing to enhance inclusion
at our company, in our projects and in our programming. We highly recommend EDDI
membership to any organization dedicated to being a leader in disability access as part of
their diversity, equity and inclusion commitments.”
Shauna Caria, Global Practice Lead for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Chemonics International

Strategic Consulting
As a leader in disability inclusion both nationally and globally, MIUSA shares our
expertise through in-depth consulting, strategic action planning, and ongoing technical
assistance. MIUSA is proud to have worked with all levels of staff, in-person and virtually,
at organizations such as Save the Children, MADRE, World Pulse, the MacArthur
Foundation and its nonprofit affiliate Lever for Change. Through these intensive
partnerships, organizations are better positioned to weave disability inclusion throughout
all aspects of their administration and services, to create a more just world. It is an
honor to work with these organizations and foundations who are striving to achieve
inclusive excellence and be leaders in their field.

“Save the Children was so pleased to work with Mobility international USA on a long-term comprehensive consulting project to enhance our ability to be more disability-inclusive and promote the inclusion and leadership of people with disabilities in our own organization as well as in our global programming. MIUSA’s expertise, knowledge, and ability to work with many different teams at Save the Children is much appreciated and we wish MIUSA all the best on its 40th anniversary.”
Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children

“This training feels like the key to actually acting on our principles about disability rights,
unlocking a new way of thinking that will make MADRE a better organization.”
Yifat Susskind - Executive Director of MADRE

Changing Lives Through Education: Global Perspectives on Disability
For many years, MIUSA has brought a disability rights perspective to students at the University of Oregon through Global Perspectives on Disability, an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to the history of disability rights movements across the world. The course introduces students to key international laws and policies used to advance disability rights, and the necessity of utilizing a human rights perspective to achieve inclusion of and equity for people with disabilities in every country. We know that shaping the future of rights for all people with disabilities requires understanding our powerful history and educating our future leaders.

“I plan to ensure that any international policy I work on has thoroughly examined
how certain issues impact marginalized identities, including disabled women and their support systems.”
University of Oregon student majoring in Planning, Public Policy and Management

Planting Seeds for the Future
Who would have ever thought that an idea dreamed up by two friends over home-baked
chocolate chip cookies would lead to a world-renowned organization doing cutting-edge
work in the field of international exchange, international development and leadership
training?

Who would have ever thought that this new organization would result in a global network of thousands of alumni in over 136 countries, who are disability activists and allies equipped with the passion, skills and rights-bearing attitude to make the changes that are so desperately needed in the world?

I have had the honor to do this work. Although the world is changing too rapidly and too unexpectedly to know what the future holds, I do know that we - MIUSA and our global network of disabled leaders and allies - will continue to model inclusion and infiltrate all areas where the leadership of disabled people is needed most: international exchange, international development and humanitarian spaces, women’s leadership and empowerment, and more.

MIUSA will continue to adapt and change even as the world faces pandemics, climate change, racial unrest and more. Our world needs to reinvent itself, so that ours is a more just, equitable and sustainable planet. More than ever, we need people with disabilities to take the lead to resolve the challenges and disrupt the systemic discrimination that we have faced for so many years. MIUSA will continue to implement innovative programming to ensure that disabled women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities are at the forefront of change.

Close to 40 years ago, we understood that we are only limited by our ability to dream of what is possible. At MIUSA there are no shortage of dreams. I hope all who read our 40th anniversary book will agree that the impact we have made as a small but powerful organization is quite remarkable. These achievements have been made by the fabulous MIUSA staff, disability activists, allies, partners, donors, homestay families and Board of Directors who are all Creating a World as it Should Be.®

Engage with Us
Join our powerful network, make a donation and become part of the change!
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Contact Us!
132 E. Broadway, Suite 343 Eugene, OR 97401 USA
Tel: (541) 343-1284
info@miusa.org

International Advisory Committee and Board of Directors
The members of MIUSA’s Board of Directors and International Advisory Committee are professionals and MIUSA alumni with and without disabilities, hailing from the United States and countries around the world. Their expertise in diverse fields, combined with their shared commitment to advancing disability rights and leadership globally, will assist MIUSA to continue to reach its goals to offer dynamic, innovative programs; build the pipeline of leaders with disabilities, especially women and girls, and; provide opportunities to strengthen disability rights globally through international exchange and inclusive international development.

MIUSA Staff
MIUSA is an ever-evolving team of amazing people who are passionate about disability rights and international issues. As a disability-led disabled people’s organization, our dedicated staff continues to bring a combined wealth of knowledge, experiences and insights that span the world. Our language skills range from American Sign Language, Arabic, French and Greek to Hebrew, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Thai. We have acquired our international experiences by living in places such as Australia, Honduras, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen and Zambia. We are international exchange alumni, disability rights activists and women’s rights activists.

Past and Present Major Funders
▶ Abilis Foundation
▶ American Councils for International Education
▶ Blue Heron Foundation
▶ BNY Mellon Foundation
▶ Channel Foundation
▶ City of Eugene
▶ Epiphany, Inc.
▶ Eurasia Foundation
▶ Fundamental Freedom Fund
▶ Global Fund for Women
▶ Institute of International Education
▶ International Women’s Forum
▶ Islamic Relief USA
▶ Isler, CPA
▶ Jewish Community Federation
▶ John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
▶ MADRE
▶ Mayerson Foundation
▶ MSH International
▶ National Disability Institute
▶ Nike
▶ New York Community Trust DeWitt/ Wallace Youth Travel Enrichment Fund
▶ Open Society Foundation
▶ Rotary Club of Eugene and Rotary Club of Springfield
▶ Rotary Foundation
▶ Save the Children
▶ Teach a Man to Fish
▶ United States Agency for International Development
▶ United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
▶ United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
▶ United States Embassy, Bahrain
▶ United States Embassy, Islamabad
▶ University of Oregon Foundation
▶ University of Oregon Division of Equity and Inclusion
▶ University of Portland
▶ USAID Armenia
▶Walmart Foundation
▶W.K. Kellogg Foundation
▶World Pulse
▶ Zonta Club of Eugene-Springfield
▶ Zonta International Foundation
▶ Individual donors and other generous anonymous donors

[Back cover]
Advancing disability rights and leadership globally® 
MIUSA
Mobility International USA
132 E. Broadway, Suite 343
Eugene, OR 97401 USA
Tel: (541) 343-1284
info@miusa.org
www.miusa.org