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Promoting Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities in Education
December 3rd is recognized as the IInternational Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities worldwide. This observance highlights the importance of including persons with disabilities in every facet of society, encompassing political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 billion people—approximately one in six individuals globally—live with some form of disability. The Institute of International Education (IIE) has consistently prioritized access to opportunities and education, particularly for marginalized groups within the international education landscape.
IIE is committed to both external and internal efforts to enhance equitable education and opportunities for persons with disabilities. By leveraging years of expertise, the organization collects data and publishes resources that assist higher education institutions and professionals involved in international education. Additionally, IIE examines its own workspaces and team dynamics to foster a more inclusive environment.
The Research, Evaluation, and Learning (REL) department plays a crucial role in this mission by gathering and analyzing data to support international students in the United States and U.S. students studying abroad. This includes the publication of the 2022 Open Doors Special Report on International Students with Disabilities and annual updates on U.S. students with disabilities studying abroad. Furthermore, EducationUSA has hosted a webinar focusing on support for students with disabilities and engaged in the EdGE Inclusion Series podcast. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program also provides valuable resources for individuals with disabilities on their platform, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity among exchange participants.
Internally, IIE created the Accessibility & Inclusion Resource Working Group to enhance resources and support for both participants and staff members. This initiative complements the work of the Dis/Ability & Accessibility Affinity Group, which creates a supportive space for team members to address various issues related to disability, health, and accessibility within their workplace. Additionally, the IIE Center for Access and Equity has released significant publications in 2023, including “Supporting First-Gen College Students in International Education Resource Guide” and “Models of Change: Equity and Inclusion in Action in International Education.” They launched the DEAlogues initiative in collaboration with IIE, providing a platform for team members to discuss critical topics through the prism of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, starting with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities.
IIE also collaborates with organizations like Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a longstanding partner dedicated to improving opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In 2024, IIE’s membership team invited a representative from MIUSA to share insights on resources available to professionals and students in this field. Furthermore, IIE team members Rusti O’Neal and Magda Ostrov presented alongside a MIUSA colleague at the 2024 AHEAD Conference, discussing “Inclusive International Education: Supporting International Students with Disabilities.” The session underscored the underrepresentation of international students with disabilities and offered best practices for fostering inclusion and support within IIE’s programs.
At IIE, leadership and team members consistently seek innovative and effective methods to enhance support for persons with disabilities, ensuring that they can fully benefit from the opportunities that international education affords. This commitment reflects a broader dedication to continuously improving both workplace conditions and service delivery for all individuals.
Source
www.iie.org