5 Questions with Member Organization, Mobility International USA

5 Questions with USCCD member organization, Mobility International USA.

1. When and why was Mobility International USA established?

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) was co-founded in 1981 by Susan Sygall and Barbara Williams. Motivated by her own year abroad as a graduate student in Australia, Ms. Sygall, a wheelchair rider, wondered why more people with disabilities weren't having this type of study experience. We were convinced that MIUSA could fill an important role in promoting international exchange for people with disabilities. MIUSA pioneered inclusive short-term international programs beginning in 1981, and has now worked with over 2,000 alumni from over 120 countries. Now, 30 years later, MIUSA is actively promoting the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in all types of international exchange programs as citizen diplomats around the world.

MIUSA's mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.

2. In what ways to do you provide opportunities for people who have a disability to engage in citizen diplomacy?

From a young woman using a wheelchair volunteering in Costa Rica to a college graduate who is blind participating in the Peace Corps, people with disabilities are making their dreams of international exchange a reality. Through the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, a project sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, individuals and organizations receive free information and referral on how to make citizen diplomacy possible for people with disabilities. A full library of resources, blog, success stories and searchable database of disability organizations around the world is available online at www.miusa.org/ncde.

3. How does being a USCCD member organization help to benefit your work?

MIUSA's affiliation with USCCD as a member organization underscores that the right and responsibility of all individuals, including those with disabilities, to shape U.S. foreign relations through engagement with the world. Membership with USCCD furthers our mission to ensure that people with disabilities are included in the broad range of international opportunities leading organizations offer.

MIUSA can also connect individuals with disabilities with USCCD's database of international programs that promote citizen diplomacy all over the world. The more people with disabilities know about and participate in international exchanges between countries, the more we can work together to make the world more inclusive.

4. What would you like people who are interested in citizen diplomacy to know about MIUSA?

Organizations and institutions that promote citizen diplomacy between the U.S. and other countries are encouraged to contact MIUSA. We provide free information and referrals for including people with disabilities as citizen diplomats and volunteers in their programs. Through our website, MIUSA offers tips for outreaching to and accommodating participants with disabilities, and success stories.

5. Do you have any examples of personal stories you would like to share about how MIUSA has made a lasting difference?

This year, in honor of MIUSA's 30th Anniversary, MIUSA had invited people who have been involved with the organization in various capacities to share their MIUSA stories and anniversary messages (http://www.miusa.org/30thanniversary). Mariam Mikiashvili, a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) student alumna from 2004-05, had participated in MIUSA's week-long leadership workshop for FLEX students with disabilities. She recently shared the following message with us:

"When I arrived, I was quite scared and confused. I was the only student from Georgia attending the workshop and everyone as well as everything was strange to me. But surprisingly at that
time, I felt myself very much at home and everyone became very close to me...

"I discovered lots of skills and abilities in myself. Also started viewing the world and environment around differently, more positively and with a critical mind... I discovered that blind persons can even dig and cultivate, not to speak about the Challenge Course and extreme physical activities. I touched a white cane for the first time in my life and learned how a blind person can live independently. I met a blind person using a guide-dog for the first time in my life. Each time I think about MIUSA and Oregon I feel the rush of blood in my entire body, and my heart and brain nearly explode of happiness."

Mariam with MIUSA