1. 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

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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***

11. 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

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