Mobility International USA

This is an incredible, funded fellowship opportunity to collaborate with emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. We especially encourage people with disabilities to apply!!

Calling all entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada between the ages of 25-35! 📣 The application is now LIVE on our website! This is your chance to access a four-week U.S. entrepreneurship fellowship and intensive leadership training.

Make sure you also meet our other eligibility requirements before applying! Learn more at: ylai.state.gov/apply. Applications are due Wednesday, June 5 at 11:59 PM EST! 📝

Bahraini delegates have had a full schedule learning all about inclusive communities. In the past few days, delegates met with professionals working on youth transition, employment, and supported living programs. They visited a pediatric rehabilitation center, toured an inclusive community gym and played wheelchair sports at the YMCA. Despite the rain, they also spent time outdoors riding adapted bikes and hiking accessible trails at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum.

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Manama, Bahrain, as well as contributions from MIUSA and the Eugene/Springfield community.

Learn more about the program: https://www.miusa.org/news/bahrain-disability-leadership-professional-exchange

Photo descriptions: A collection of photos shows the delegates participating in a variety of professional meetings, site visits, and recreation activities.

Welcome to Eugene, Bahraini delegates! MIUSA is honored to host a high-level delegation of five professionals representing civil society and government organizations from Bahrain. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Manama, Bahrain, as well as contributions from MIUSA and the Eugene/Springfield community.

Learn more about the program: https://www.miusa.org/news/bahrain-disability-leadership-professional-exchange/

Photo descriptions: Photos of program highlights include the group’s arrival at the Eugene airport, meetings with local government officials, a community welcome dinner with Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, and a demo of the accessible public transportation system.

Host an awesome, wheelchair-riding international high school exchange student!

An international high school student who is a wheelchair rider has been awarded a scholarship to study in the U.S. for the 2024-25 school year.

Seeking: host family or parent with a home that is (or could be) wheelchair accessible (i.e. no or few steps to entrance, access to living areas, bedroom, bathroom, etc.). Not sure? Ask us!

Where: Anywhere in the U.S.

When: Ideally, to host for the entire 2024-25 school year. However, a temporary host family is also an option. The student is scheduled to travel to a host family on August 14, 2024.

About the student: She is 16, loves reading fiction and listening to music, and is excited to meet U.S. friends. While in the U.S., she wants to learn to lift weights and try hiking. As an international exchange student, she is eager to get to know people from different backgrounds and cultures and to share her culture and traditions. She speaks excellent English.

The student, who uses a manual wheelchair, is independent with activities of daily living, including personal care and meal preparation. She has a pro-active approach to problem-solving as well as a positive attitude.

About the Exchange Program: The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program (https://lnkd.in/gW6Q7PMk) is a highly competitive scholarship program through the U.S. Department of State.

Thank you for your assistance with finding a host family, a crucial first step in fulfilling the student’s goal of living and studying in the U.S.

Interested or have questions? Contact:
Jessica Bansen, MIUSA Program Specialist, Email: [email protected]
Voice Mail: 541-343-1284 x 1024

Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a U.S. disability-led organization, advances disability rights and leadership globally. www.miusa.org. MIUSA assists YES program placement organizations to ensure that YES students with disabilities have fully inclusive experiences in the U.S.

Please share with your networks!

[Photo: A smiling and waving group of high school exchange students from a previous year, representing countries around the world and different types of disabilities.]

A Deaf History Month update from our member WEEMA International in Ethiopia!

Join MIUSA’s team! Visit our Employment page to learn about three open positions with Mobility International USA including:
- Exchange Program Assistant (Apply by April 30)
- NCDE Program Coordinator (Apply by May 1)
- Senior Finance Manager (Apply by May 15)

Find details: www.miusa.org/employment

We are excited to once again invite our local friends and supporters to the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Eugene! Join us this evening to celebrate the display of our Brilliant and Resilient: Celebrating the Power of Disabled Women Activists photo exhibit.

The exhibit is located at 260 W. Broadway (near Noisette Pastry Kitchen) and will be open to visitors from 5:30pm-8:00pm as part of Eugene's Windowfront Exhibitions. Join us for light refreshments and to celebrate this powerful photo exhibit featuring 30 professional photographs and vignettes in English and Spanish. English and Spanish audio description is also available.

Brilliant & Resilient Windowfront Exhibition - April 5, 2024 - MIUSA Join MIUSA in celebrating the display of the Brilliant & Resilient photo exhibit, featuring portraits and vignettes of 30 disabled women leaders from around the world, from 5:30 - 8pm during First Friday Art Walk on April 5, 2024.

In honor of International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2024, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of disabled women activists worldwide.

As we are amplifying the voices of disabled women leaders today, we invite you to watch this special video message from WILD alumna Ramatu Princess Kanu from Sierra Leone, who is leading critically-important work in her community.

https://youtu.be/2jOw5pLxFu4?feature=shared

From advocating for disability rights to championing social justice causes, disabled women activists are at the forefront of transformative change in their communities. As we commemorate the invaluable contributions of these incredible leaders from around the world today, we also invite you to join us by investing in the next cohort of WILD women: https://www.miusa.org/donate/

WILD Impact Story - Princess, Sierra Leone Ramatu Princess Kanu of Sierra Leone shares how the WILD program changed her life. She went on to found her own organization Women with Disabilities Yearning...

Join us next Friday, March 1st for the Art Walk!

Celebrate Women’s History month with the "Brilliant & Resilient” pop-up gallery during the First Friday ArtWalk on March 1. Curated by Mobility International USA, this exhibit is a collection of professional photographs featuring the personal stories of 30 women with disabilities who have made positive impacts on the world. Step inside Windowfront Exhibitions and experience this important body of portraits of international women leaders.

When: March 1, 5:30-8pm
Where: 260 W. Broadway, Eugene

Start your First Friday ArtWalk at the Farmers Market Pavilion (80 E 8th Ave), where you can enjoy live music, shop the artist marketplate and pick up your ArtWalk guide and Windowfront Exhibitions card/map. Then embark on your self-guided tour of Windowfront Exhibitions and more of downtown Eugene's vibrant art scene.

Look for more pop-up galleries in April! Learn more about Windowfront Exhibitions: eugene-or.gov/4637/Windowfront-Exhibitions

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3rd – is just one of 365 opportunities throughout the year to celebrate the disabled activists, leaders, and advocates around the world!

Wherever you are in your leadership journey, consider these ideas for how international exchange can advance your leadership even further!

A Disability Day Message to Global Disabled Activists: Invest in Your Leadership through International Exchange! - MIUSA People with disabilities can participate in study abroad, volunteer abroad, professional exchanges abroad, sports exchange programs and more.

“To say that Fulbright assisted my ability to work effectively in Germany is an understatement. Not only did Fulbright make sure my host school and activities were accessible, but when my motorized stool was not allowed on many forms of German public transport, Fulbright granted me a new motorized chair to finish off the year. I’m still sitting in the exact same wheelchair granted to me all those years ago.”

Meet Allyssa Shoenemann, a 2015 English Teaching Assistant (ETA) to Germany, who shares that Fulbright sparked her passion for educating students and helped increase her independence. After finishing a Master's in TESOL from Stony Brook University, she returned to Germany as an English teacher with newfound confidence: "I knew that if I could complete a Fulbright and return as a teacher, I could truly tackle anything else that comes my way."

These pictures show Allyssa in front of Sparrenberg Castle, one of the famous landmarks in Bielefeld, Germany, the city completed her Fulbright in and then returned as a teacher from 2020-2022. 🏰 📚

Fulbright Germany

We are hiring! MIUSA seeks a temporary Youth Exchange Program Assistant to join our team as we welcome high school students with disabilities from around the world to Eugene this summer. Applicants must be eligible to work legally in the U.S.

Read more about how to apply at the link below:

Job Announcement: Youth Exchange Program Assistant - MIUSA MIUSA seeks a temporary Exchange Program Assistant to join our team as we prepare to welcome high school students from around the world!

Wishing “buon viaggio” to this group of Gallaudet student travelers! Who else is getting ready for overseas study this summer?

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For the next three weeks, four Gallaudet University undergraduates will be studying abroad in Italy 🇮🇹 to learn Italian Sign Language (LIS), written Italian, Italian Deaf Culture, and History at the Siena School for Liberal Arts - Deaf Studies Program!

"The journey was very challenging, but with the right mentor...I was able to focus on the science rather than on just advocating for my inclusion and accessibility." Congratulations to Ms. Sankoh, who grew up in Sierra Leone and recently graduated from with a PhD in Biochemistry!

Meet the first deaf, Black woman to earn a Stem doctorate Amie Fornah Sankoh has persevered from failing primary school in Sierra Leone to gaining a biochemistry PhD in the US

Are you someone with a disability who has dreamed of traveling to another country for study abroad, volunteer abroad, or other international opportunities? Have you wondered what the next steps are to make it happen? Come to the Access to Exchange Summit, a virtual space hosted by the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange and MIUSA. Meet others who have dreams of going abroad, hear from experienced travelers with disabilities, learn about new resources, and get some of your questions answered! The 2023 summit will be Saturday June 24th from 10AM to 4pm Pacific (Los Angeles) over Zoom.

Here’s what some of the previous participants had to say:
“This tiny course was very informative and useful. It opened me up, and gave me fresh avenues to know what to ask about, what to look for, and who to talk to. Thank you for making this a meaningful experience!”

“This is the first time I’ve learned from disabled folks about how to navigate traveling abroad. Before this experience, I was feeling nervous about if it was possible for me to travel abroad, but now I feel more hopeful and confident!”

The summit is free to attend, and we’ve extended the registration deadline to Monday June 19, 2023 so you can register over the weekend. Link in bio or visit https://www.miusa.org/aes/

Image descriptions in alt text.

In March 2023, MIUSA unveiled the completion of the Loud, Proud & Passionate! Mural in the heart of downtown Eugene, Oregon. The historic ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by MIUSA CEO & Co-Founder Susan Sygall and Mayor of Eugene Lucy Vinis, highlighted the incredible power of disabled women in leadership. This short video commemorated the event which was attended by MIUSA staff, volunteers, host families and local supporters. Please enjoy the four-minute video and feel free to share!

Loud, Proud & Passionate!® Mural Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony In March 2023, MIUSA unveiled the completion of the Loud, Proud & Passionate! Mural in the heart of downtown Eugene, Oregon. The historic ribbon-cutting cere...

The weather is great in Eugene, Oregon- time to get outside! Pictured in this series are photos of the “Wednesday Wheelers,” a group of local community members who ride their wheelchairs together through various park trails. You might recognize a few familiar faces in these photos as MIUSA board members past and present as well as folks who have met with our groups of exchange visitors! Is there a version of Wednesday Wheelers in your community?

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Kelsey, one of our native plant experts, joined the Wednesday Wheelers for a guided wildflower walk along the river last week 🌿🌸

This informal group of wheelchair users meets at various locations in Eugene to explore paths and trails and connect socially. Want to join the next ride? Call Hilyard Community Center at 541-682-5311 for details.

Do you have a passion for promoting disability participation, representation and leadership in international exchange? Join our team at MIUSA, supporting the National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange project! Find the Program Coordinator job announcement at www.miusa.org/news to learn more and apply.



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“This is not the end of the story for Judy. Her movie will be released, her book will be read, her podcasts and Crip Camp will be shared, and a whole new generation of people will hear what a girl from Brooklyn accomplished. Love you Judy. You could not have had a more powerful or impactful or meaningful life.”

Read Susan's personal reflection on Judy Heumann’s life of activism, friendship and global impact on the MIUSA website.

Remembering Judy Heumann: A Personal Reflection - MIUSA MIUSA CEO Susan Sygall joins the world in grieving disability rights activist and dear friend Judy Heumann, reflecting on her life of activism, friendship, and global impact.

A message from Susan Sygall, MIUSA CEO:

We join the world in mourning the loss of our beloved Judy Heumann, who was a close friend and colleague of mine.

Judy's passion and powerful message moved millions of people with disabilities and allies to further the cause of disability justice around the world.

I believe the best way to honor Judy's legacy is to continue the work for Disability Justice.

May we gain strength from our memories.

I will be writing a personal message in the coming days, as my journey with Judy has been both professional and personal.

Applications for the Access to Exchange Externships are now open. Learn more and apply links in bio.

Extern Alum Highlight. Zeynep presented part 2 of international student orientation webinar series. It was for student services and disability office personnel to make student orientation programs more inclusive and accessible for international students with disabilities.

Image Description: Graphic green background. Divided into 4 squares two images and text. Text: Alumni Highlight Hannah B. Externs 2021. Apply Now! To be an Access to Exchange Extern. Top right image: Portrait of Zeynep stands at a coast blue waters behind. Bottom left image: screenshot of slide of International Student Orientations: Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities.

Applications for the Access to Exchange Externships are now open. Learn more and apply links in bio.

Extern Alum Highlight. Hannah created a a resource guide for people with disabilities interested in studying abroad in France. It included how life looks like for people with disabilities in France, provides examples of programs to consider, and offers a better understanding of how receiving accommodations may look like.

Image Description: Graphic green background. Divided into 4 squares two images and text. Text: Alumni Highlight Hannah B. Externs 2021. Apply Now! To be an Access to Exchange Extern. Top right image: Portrait of Hannah wearing a black windbreaker, she has long blonde hair and smiles. Bottom left image: screenshot of homepage of Accessibility For Study Abroad in France with background of Louvre Museum.

Season's Greetings from MIUSA! Wishing you - our friends, supporters, alumni and donors throughout the world - all the best, as we all work toward a more just and equitable world together.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation so that MIUSA can continue is mission to advance disability rights and leadership globally®. www.miusa.org/donate

New AWAY Journal Issue! NCDE Presents "Experiential Exchanges: People with Disabilities Expand the Definition of International Exchange" This publication includes something for professionals and individuals alike. Through the tip sheets and best practices shared, professionals will learn about the ways that their colleagues have supported people with disabilities in experiential exchange programs. The stories will provide readers with an idea of what volunteering or interning abroad with a disability can look like.

The common thread in these stories is that through open-mindedness and creativity, individuals with all kinds of disabilities can meaningfully and safely experience the world.

AWAY: Experiential Exchanges or check out our latest NCDE: Access to Exchange E-News!

This , support MIUSA's mission to advance Disability Rights and leadership globally! Your donation supports disabled women's empowerment projects and programs that make a real difference in the lives of disabled people worldwide. Visit us at https://miusa.org/donate/

We encourge people with disabilities to participate. This past year our NCDE staff, Johileny participated in the program and gained some helpful insights into her leadership and connected with young professionals from across the U.S. and Asia. Please see below the information from LeadNext.

Are you an emerging leader with a commitment to addressing issues such as injustice, climate change, and inequity?

Apply now for our fully-funded leadership program for aged 18-25.

LeadNext builds a vibrant network of future leaders from across and the United States and supports their growth, impact, and capacity to address today’s greatest challenges.

This dynamic leadership training program promotes cross-cultural dialogue, trust, and cooperation among the next generation of global leaders with a commitment to effecting positive change.

Join a cross-cultural cohort of emerging leaders from across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region.

Image Description: Collage of images of LeadNext Fellows out in nature. There are 5 images. Three individual portraits, a group picture, two Asia fellows having a conversation and a group picture of fellows crossing their legs seated on the ground in a half circle. Text in the image includes new deadline and Asia Foundation Logo.

Link also in Bio: https://mailchi.mp/asiafoundation/applybynov6-leadnext-fellows-program23

We are hiring! The position for NCDE Program Manager will be open until filled. If you have a passion for disability inclusion and international exchange, we encourage you to submit your Cover Letter and Resume as soon as possible. Read more at the following link: https://www.miusa.org/news/ncde-program-manager/

Job Announcement: National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) Program Manager - MIUSA MIUSA seeks a full-time Program Manager to lead a national-level project increasing participation of people with disabilities in international exchange.

MIUSA Challenge: Reach out to students with disabilities to apply for the 2023-24 YES Program! Hurry - applications due in early November. For more information, including a list of participating countries, visit the YES Program Website: https://www.yesprograms.org/

YES Programs The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program provides scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the United States and to U.S. citizens attending high school to spend up to one academic year in select co...

We are hiring! MIUSA is seeking a full-time dynamic, energetic, experienced Program Manager to join our team. Read more about the position and how to apply on our website at: https://www.miusa.org/news/ncde-program-manager/

Applications are open until November 2, 2022 at 9am PDT, or until the position is filled.

Job Announcement: National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) Program Manager - MIUSA MIUSA seeks a full-time Program Manager to lead a national-level project increasing participation of people with disabilities in international exchange.

Catch Susan on the Five Oaks Consulting podcast to discuss disability rights and leadership globally, including MIUSA’s work to promote these topics in the international development field, and some common aspects among disabled leaders. Watch the captioned interview on YouTube here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c4xec5M2FA

Podcast - Five Oaks Consulting NGO Soul and Strategy Podcast Welcome to my podcast NGO Soul + Strategy – a podcast for leaders of NGOs and other philanthropic organizations who are not satisfied with the status quo, are ready to look change right in the eye and who see themselves as leader-as-learner. Available wherever you get...