August 29, 2011

Tapas and Travels 0

by Megan Smith • MIUSA Exchange Programs • Tags: , , , , , ,

In July, young leaders with disabilities traveled to Spain for an 11-day cultural and leadership program. Among general taking in of Spanish culture and life, students participated in:

  • Workshops and discussions with disability rights leaders and students focused on disability rights laws, education, employment, media and strategies for disability rights leadership.
  • Site visits to Disabled People’s Organizations, Spanish schools and universities, and community organizations, as well as historic sites and community events.
  • Spanish cultural enrichment activities.
Please enjoy a sampling of photos from a dynamic and educational program!
U.S. students with disabilities in a group photo with two Spanish students with disabilities

Cultural exchange in action! Spanish students spend time with MIUSA exchange students to compare and contrast disability access in the U.S. and Spain.

U.S. students sitting behind a table at a media organization

Students learn about ServiMedia’s active efforts to promote disability rights in Spain by bringing positive images of people with disabilities into mainstream media, and employing people with disabilities within their organization.

Four students in wheelchairs forming a rolling line to make their way down the street in Spain

Part of any MIUSA exchange is supporting and helping each other out! Students who use power wheelchairs form a wheelchair train to roll with their friends in manual wheelchairs.

A student who uses a wheelchair in an accessible playground structure

Gissel, a New York City resident, rolled up a ramp at an accessible playground in Spain—the first she had ever experienced.

Two students who are blind meet a guide dog at the largest guide dog training facility in Madrid

Madrid’s largest Guide Dog Training Centre opened its doors (and shared their puppies) for program participants to learn about their work supporting people who use service animals in Spain.

The Spain program delegates seated around a famous Spanish landmark in Plaza Mayor

The famous Madrid landmark, Plaza Mayor, provides a culturally-rich resting spot after a long day of workshops for students.

Two Deaf delegates and two ASL interpreters sign hello

Bringing together young leaders with many different disabilities means using just as many types of communication. For example, deaf students use sign language interpreters to communicate with hearing students.

One American student and one Spanish student smile together after enjoying Spanish tapas

Enjoying local food and friends: Dana and Spanish student Ale discuss disability access over Spanish tapas.

Students play a game using string and reflect on their time in Spain

Bon Voyage! Students reflect on their experience in Spain through a bonding and team-building activity.

Thanks to 2011 U.S./Spain: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program sponsors: the New York Community Trust / Wallace Fund for Youth, established in Community Funds by the co-founder of The Reader’s Digest Association.