For far too long, many people with disabilities may have thought that
taking part in "study abroad" or other international exchange activities
was an impossible, or at best an excessively challenging, dream. But this
is not in fact the case.
EDC is part of a coalition led by the National Clearinghouse on Disability
and Exchange that is actively promoting the very real existence of exchange
programs -- in MANY parts of the world -- that can accommodate people with
disabilities.
On March 15, there will be a combination conference and Expo at the JFK
Library to inform the public about exchange possibilities. If you know
someone who might like to take part in an exchange program (or who might
like to know how their current exchange programs can better accommodate
people with disabilities), please share this memo with them and ask them to
mark their calendars.
The public Exchange Expo will take place the evening of Wednesday, March
15th --from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a number of exchange organizations
present to share information on their programs and opportunities for people
with disabilities to take part. Here is a great chance for you or students
or colleagues to find out how you can expand your horizons.
From Ed Allan
Contact: Rhonda Neuhaus
(541) 343-1284 (V/TTY)
WORLD OF OPTIONS CONFERENCE AND EXPO
TO BE HELD IN BOSTON
Two conferences to build bridges between people with disabilities and
international exchange, study and community service opportunities
Join international exchange and disability professionals for a one-day
conference from, 9 am to 4:30 pm, to increase the participation of people
with disabilities in international exchange programs!! International
educators and exchange professionals are now encouraged to register for the
Boston area event on March 15, 2000 and the San Francisco Bay area event on
May 3, 2000.
The events are organized by The National Clearinghouse on Disability
and Exchange (NCDE), sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and managed by Mobility
International USA (MIUSA).
The World of Options conference will provide the opportunity for
international exchange organizations to prepare their programs for the
inclusion of participants with disabilities.
· Learn practical strategies and resources for outreach and inclusion of
people with disabilities;
· Hear success stories on international exchange opportunities of people
with disabilities;
· Participate in sessions on legal issues and funding;
· Learn about resources and ideas for including people with disabilities
in inbound and outbound programs;
· Discuss optional topics, which may include: travel and
transportation, host families, insurance issues, cultural perspectives of
disability, etc.
Evening Expo ? Open to the Public
Following the conference, the World of Options Expo, from 5 pm ? 8 pm
will give representatives from international exchange programs the
opportunity to exhibit their program materials, discuss the application
process and answer any questions. The Expo will be open to the public at no
cost.
To register or for more information contact Rhonda Neuhaus, NCDE
Public Relations Coordinator, (541) 343-1284 (V/TTY),
clearinghouse@miusa.org or visit our website at: www.miusa.org.
(Forwarded by Akapur@edc.org)
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