December 30, 2011
Top Ten Hits of 2011 0
Where did you go in 2011 and where do you plan to go in 2012? When you traveled virtually to the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange website this past year, you discovered adventurers and practical advice from all around the world. During this time of year when top ten lists are as popular as the song Auld Lang Syne, we have created a list of the Top Ten Hits of 2011.
#10 AWAY Topics – English Language Learners with Disabilities Issue
Many people downloaded a free electronic version of the 8-page AWAY Topics, which illustrates the variety of options open to people with disabilities for improving their English language skills. English language instructors and institutions, take note!
#9 Cultural Differences Related to Disability
Ever wonder how disability is perceived differently across cultures and countries? This page, which offers several approaches towards understanding these differences, is a good place to start for anyone interested in cultural exchange.
#8 Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices for International Travel
Traveling overseas with power wheelchairs and other devices is easier than you think. Learn from others in this in-demand tipsheet – just one of many that relate to travelers who use wheelchairs or who have mobility-related disabilities.
#7 Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
There’s a common saying, “it’s the journey – not the destination – that matters.” But if the popularity of our Air Travel Tips page is any indication, international travelers with disabilities think both are crucial!
#6 Guide Dogs and Service Animals While on International Exchange
Many visitors access this tipsheet via websites for service animal organizations. We’re flattered that other organizations are linking to our online resources!
#5 Respectful Disability Language
When talking to, referring to, or working with the Disability Community, savvy readers draw upon appropriate language and lingo compiled for this page.
#4 Pressure Sore Prevention and Management Abroad
It can be easy to forget to take care of one’s own health and comfort when caught in the excitement of international travel, but our readers seem to appreciate these quick tips and tricks for self-care.
#3 Medications and International Travel
“Can I bring my medication with me? Can I get it overseas?” Although the answers to these and other frequently-asked questions will vary depending on the country of destination, our tipsheet gets travelers with disabilities started with general travel health and information resources.
#2 Foreign Language Learning and Students with Disabilities
From Arabic to Zulu, learning a foreign language is not only useful, but also fun when living in another culture. Exchange professionals and language instructors often refer to this page in order to serve students with disabilities better when it comes to classroom modifications, assistive devices and other factors. Parlez-vous “access”?
And our top-visited web resource of 2011 is…
#1 Financial Aid and Funding for International Exchange
Clearly, our online visitors have money on the mind! For many, determining the availability of scholarships, fellowships, or paid opportunities to travel between the U.S. and other countries is a preliminary step in the process of exploring international exchange options. Although funding is an important piece of the puzzle, it is not the whole picture. Going abroad is more possible than you might think. Our number one resource gives you ideas to put all the pieces together from fundraising, scholarships and fellowships to using Vocational Rehabilitation funds and financial aid.
Due to the great popularity these and other resources, the National Clearinghouse on Disability continues to look for ways to update content and to improve the navigability of our website. Do you have suggestions or feedback on what makes a great website? Is there a burning topic related to international exchange and disability that you would like to see on our website? Let us know by leaving a comment. Your idea could be a hit in 2012!
