Independence Without Borders

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Independence Without Borders
Mobility International USA
National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
SW Conference on Disability Presentation by
Cerise Roth-Vinson crothvinson_at_miusa.org
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What is International Exchange?

• Traveling abroad with a purpose to volunteer,
  study, or do a cultural tour.

Examples include studying abroad in Germany,
volunteering in Japan, teaching sign language in
Jamaica, or a science program in Peru.
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What is the NCDE?

• A one-stop free resource on international
  exchange and disability issues
• To increase the participation of people with
  disabilities in international programs
• Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau
  of Educational and Cultural Affairs

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International Exchange Works!

• Results released in 2005 showed impressive
  gains for high school exchange students in
  foreign language skills, intercultural
  competence, knowledge of other countries, and
  comfort in interacting with people from other
  cultures.

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Parents and Youth Influencers

• For parents accustomed to being advocates,
  problem-solvers as well as caregivers to their
  children, the prospect of their son or daughter
  being far out of their reach may be worrisome.
  Many young people with disabilities decide not to
  participate in international exchange programs
  simply because of their parents' concerns or
  fears.

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Personal growth for both

• My daughter thought the Eiffel Tower at night
  was the most beautiful thing shes seen. I have
  never heard her so excited about buildings
  before, and the first night she called me she
  said These buildings here are so beautiful.

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• My parents said I was more open to things after
  my exchange. It gave me an understanding of other
  cultures and how things work in different
  countries.

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• It helped me with my independence being in
  another country realizing mom and dad werent
  there and I actually can get around and do things
  on my own. When I got home and ran into things
  that were a bit of a challenge, I could get
  through new things that cropped up. Robin
  Sutherby, cerebral palsy and learning disability,
  went on a short trip to Mexico with her Spanish
  class

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Cultural Differences the Student may Encounter

• Different ideas of independence confidentiality
• Doubts about legitimacy of disability
• Speaking about disability in a blunt manner as
  well as staring (rock-star syndrome)
• Culture may be better suited to individual
  situation
• Different treatment than locals with disabilities
• Unexpected restrictions based ones disability

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Essential Skills for Going Abroad

• FlexibilityBeing able to make the most out of a
  situation even if it is not working out as
  planned.
• Self-Advocacy and DiplomacyAsking for what you
  need in a culturally appropriate manner and
  involving yourself in the process of getting it.

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Transferable Job Skills

• Interpersonal communication
• Cross cultural understanding
• Building support networks
• Flexibility
• Foreign language skills
• Independent thinking

• Time Management
• Meeting deadlines
• Budgeting
• Asking for accommodations
• Creative problem solving
• Record keeping

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Cory Valencia

• Cross-cultural disability rights program to Japan
• Member of New Mexicos Governors Commission on
  Disability

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Types of career options

• Federal Government
• Non-profit agencies
• Private businesses and consulting firms
• International Organizations
• Educational Institutions

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But we can learn all that stuff here.

• Here is familiar and cannot provide a truly
  unique/new environment in which to practice
  skills
• Traveling presents opportunities for learning and
  problems not present in the home environment
• International experiences serve to dispel
  preconceived notions employers, and other people
  in control of resources may have about that
  individual and their disability

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Quiz Myth or Fact?

• Studying abroad requires a foreign language.
• Its so expensive, and there are not any
  scholarships for a luxury like studying abroad.
• Going abroad is for college students, not high
  school.
• Its not safe.
• They will get behind on high school credits and
  graduate late.
• Other countries dont have laws like the ADA!

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First Steps in High School

• Job shadowing days
• International summer camps
• Foreign language immersion schools
• Model United Nations
• Online international learning exchanges
• Host a student from another country

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Resources for Youth Programs

• Council for Standards in International
  Educational Travel (CSIET)
• Student  Youth Travel Association
• American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation
  offers scholarships for low-income
• Rotary Youth Exchange (check with your local
  clubs for scholarships) or www.rotary.org

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SSI Benefits and Options

• To continue to receive SSI while studying abroad,
  ensure that
• course of study is not available to you in the
  U.S.
• sponsored by a school in the U.S.
• Participation is critical to your educational and
  vocational success
• You are eligible for SSI for the one month
  immediately prior to leaving the U.S.
• You will earn academic credits towards your high
  school or college degree while abroad

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Vocational Rehabilitation and Going Abroad

• Propose the Inclusion of Study Abroad in Your VR
  Plan
• Bring information on a study abroad program that
  is required or supports your educational/vocationa
  l goal to your VR counselor's attention.
• Clearly state how the experience will enhance
  your educational and vocational goals
• List all the study abroad program expenses
  including disability-related costs

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A World Awaits You Journal

• Myths Frequently Asked Questions
• Influencing Youth to Explore Overseas Options
• Home Away from Home
• Off to Japan The Parents' Perspective
• Hosting Foreign Students with Disabilities
• Ideas and Links for Getting Started

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Tools for Advising Students
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Prepare for your career!

• How to get started
• Steps along the way
• Why consider international experience and
  opportunities
• Transferable skills
• Opportunities
• What NCDE can do to help

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Disability-specific Tip Sheets

• Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
• Diabetes Resources
• Learning Disability Questions
• Including People with Mobility Impairments in
  International Exchange
• Personal Assistant Tips
• Accommodation for Individuals with Psychiatric
  Disabilities
• Service Dogs
• Traveling Internationally with Medications
• Helpful (and Low-Cost!) Tips for Accommodating
  Participants with Disabilities
• Finding a Personal Assistant Abroad

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Sign up for our E-news

• Go to www.miusa.org/about/mailinglists to sign up
  and be notified when new programs and
  scholarships are available
• Pending funding, a short-term program to Costa
  Rica for Summer 2009 will be available with
  scholarships

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• National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
• E-mail clearinghouse_at_miusa.org
• Tel/TTY [phone]
• www.miusa.org
• A project of Mobility International USA sponsored
  by the
• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the
  U.S.
• Department of State

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Question and Answer