practices for teaching literacy after a career in education spanning more than 20 years . Johna Wright ( blind ) spent a few weeks in South Africa consulting with small business owners as part of Mercer University ' s Service Scholars Program . Hugo Trevino ( spinal muscular atrophy ) studied abroad in several different countries including Costa Rica , China , Taiwan , Vietnam and Italy , 1st with Mobility International USA , which administers the NCDE , and then with his alma mater , the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign .
For all three of these individuals , the world came to life through the impact that they made in their host communities , and the impact that their host communities made on them . It was not just about food and museums , which represent the trappings of culture , but culture itself that enriched their skills and perspectives .
Nevertheless , international education is no exception to the adage that anything worth having is worth working for . Johna and Judy had to advocate for themselves in the face of program provider doubts . All three of them had to confront challenges either related to their disabilities or lack of access . Johna learned to assert herself in South Africa ' s masculine business culture , while taking in the sport of cricket through the eyes of the bus driver that she befriended . Judy came to know an immigrant friend ' s home community of Belmopan . Hugo saw five countries before leaving behind an innovative scholarship program for study abroad participants to cover disability -related costs at the University of Illinois .
By the end of the support group I had shared about the many ways that members can study or volunteer abroad , and how they could learn more through the consulting services of the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange . One of the group participants suggested that they all might plan a group trip together , and everybody agreed .
What will you do ?
Send your ideas and questions to clearinghouse @ miusa . org .
The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange ( NCDE )
Recognizing the need for greater diversity in people to people programs , MIUSA administers the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange ( NCDE ), a project to increase the participation of people with disabilities in all types of travel with a purpose .
Through our free advising service , trainings , and online resources , we are moving steadily towards making international programs - and the world - more accessible and inclusive for all . Explore our resources or contact us personally today to get your questions answered .
The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange is a project of the U . S . Department of State ' s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs , designed to increase the participation of people with disabilities in international exchange between the United States and other countries , and is supported in its implementation by Mobility International USA .
To Table of Contents