a fighting chance: how one disability services Center gave its students a competitive edge through international exchange Emily Quinn, Michelle Rigler, Amy Rutherford-Moody-University of Tennessee Chattanooga Justin Hartford- MIUSA

International exchange as a key part of higher education What to consider International exchange as a key part of higher education

Legal and Moral Justifications Reasons to include people with disabilities: Moral/ethical US law Laws in other countries

Universities are not alone… MobilityInternational USA (Miusa) Resources Universities are not alone…   MobilityInternational USA (Miusa) Abroad with Disabilities (AWD)

What partnerships have you developed to reach this goal? Group Activity How does your institution identify with the goal to create access to international exchange programs for students with disabilities? What partnerships have you developed to reach this goal? Choose a spokesperson to report to large group

Why international travel for students with disabilities? It is something available to all other students Creates a more marketable future employee Allows students to develop a greater sense of self in our world Allows students to view the world and cultures developing a respect for diversity

Trip types at UTC DRC dedicated Partnered Worked with an education travel company Discounts for assistants Analyzed hotels, transportation, public places for accessibility Designed trip to research accessibility of various countries Laws, physical, travel, attitude Partnered with Fraternity and Sorority Life Leaders Mosaic Program Alternative Spring Break Cultural study Speaking in high schools Work with Boys Home

Trip types at UTC Nassau, Bahamas Trip 1 DRC dedicated Partnered Trip 1 Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii Trip 2 Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales Trip 3 Italy and Greece Nassau, Bahamas

How did we make it happen (DRC dedicated)? Pre-Trip On-Trip Focus groups for interest Met with International Programs and Student Exchange Developed a spring semester course for research and preparation Created scholarship with International Programs Opened application for the trip Worked diligently with EF Tours to examine accessibility Details in Language Group leaders for on call nights Group meetings each morning and evening Alternatives for activities Research and documenting access levels Changes as needed

How did we make it happen (Partnered)? Pre-Trip On-Trip Focus groups for interest Met with International Programs and Student Exchange Developed course to teach and scholarship Opened application for the trip Fundraising and school supply collection Pre-Trip Site Visit Set up group activities Met with center for tourism and culture Met with boys home administration Met with high school Group leaders for on call nights Mosaic staff and FSL staff Group meetings each morning and evening Debrief and plan for the schedule for the day Alternatives for activities Environmental sensitivities, downtime, quiet spaces Changes as needed Limited due to need for routine ***Cross education was amazing***

Outcomes UTC more dedicated to making travel accessible More programs interested in partnering Students who are more confident in the ability to travel The marketability of participating students increased with experience abroad Resources available for deciding on countries to visit More understanding and acceptance between student groups

What can you do? What steps can you take or are you taking to realize accessible international travel on your campuses?