WILD PROGRAM AND APPLICATION OVERVIEW
- Complete the WILD application form using the Google Forms link below.
- Submit a 30-60 second Video Essay using the Google Forms link below.
- Submit TWO professional recommendations. References may use the Google Forms link below.
You must submit the application, video essay AND two recommendations to be considered. Due to the high number of applications expected, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Deadline: The WILD application is due Monday December 7th 11:59 PM PT
ABOUT MIUSA
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is a U.S.-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
ABOUT THE WILD PROGRAM
We are thrilled to announce our 2027 call for applications for MIUSA’s 12th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) program to be held in Eugene, Oregon from September 7 – 23, 2027 (tentatively). WILD will bring together approximately 20 delegates from approximately 20 different countries, to strengthen leadership capacity, create new visions and build international networks of support.
During the three-week program, participants will take part in workshops, seminars and discussions, conduct on-site visits, and participate in team-building activities, to explore challenges and exchange strategies for increasing leadership opportunities and participation of women and girls with disabilities in communities and countries.
MIUSA reserves the right to cancel the program for any reason it deems necessary and will return program fees in the event that the program is cancelled.
WHO CAN APPLY: ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for WILD, you MUST be a:
- Citizen and/or resident of a country in the following regions:
- Africa
- Asia & Pacific Islands
- Latin America & Caribbean
- Middle East
- Established leader and/or professional who is:
- At least 21 years of age and older
- NOT an alum of previous MIUSA exchange program that took place in the U.S.
- Use at least ONE of the following languages:
- English (conversational level minimum)
- Sign Language with at least conversational American Sign Language (ASL)
WHO CAN APPLY: QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for WILD, you must demonstrate:
- Personal experience with disability, an understanding of issues, and a commitment to working for the rights of women and girls with disabilities
- Membership in an organization led by and for people with disabilities, or by and for women, with particular attention to issues of women and girls with disabilities; or civil society or other organizations committed to the rights and participation of women and girls with disabilities
- Commitment to and capacity for increasing leadership opportunities of women with disabilities in the community and/or country
- Commitment to and capacity for increasing the participation of women and girls with disabilities in international development programs
- Commitment and capacity to complete the following activities over a one year program (from May 2027 – May 2028):
- Establish and develop relationships with committed organizations in your community prior to the training. This includes one organization which you will represent and at least one community partner organization.
- Participate in a three-week WILD program in Eugene, Oregon held September 7 – 23, 2027 (tentatively).
- Design and implement a plan to conduct a leadership workshop using the WILD model within six months after WILD.
- Apply for and administer a small grant for the leadership workshop.
- Complete required monitoring and evaluation activities, including timely submission of monitoring and evaluation reports to MIUSA.
- Share lessons learned and challenges with MIUSA and other stakeholders.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The WILD program will include interactive workshops, site visits and practical activities on priority issues for women and girls with disabilities which may include:
- Strategies for implementing national and international policies and legislation
- Educational rights and opportunities including higher education, specialized and inclusive schools, policy and legal rights, services and accommodations for accessibility
- Health and family issues including parenting, women’s health, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health
- Violence prevention
- Peacebuilding
- Strategies for leadership, including networking and coalition building
- Organizational development and sustainability, including funding resources and strategies, and fostering partnerships with community organizations and businesses
- Inclusive international development, including exchanging strategies for inclusion with representatives from U.S-based international development organizations and/or human rights organizations
- Cultural and team-building experiences, including living with a local host family
- Goals and action planning sessions, including plans for the transfer of information from WILD to women and girls with disabilities and others.
LODGING, MEALS AND TRANSPORTATION
- Simple and shared lodging at a modest hotel and local homestay family homes will be provided.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided each day. All supplemental meals, snacks, or personal incidentals will be at the expense of each delegate.
- Accessible public transportation will be provided.
Note: Please do not expect “luxury” accommodations, meals, or transportation. - Delegates will be expected to attend all program activities, and return immediately to their home countries after completion of the WILD program. MIUSA will not support any personal travel during or outside of program dates.
- Please note the WILD program includes a full schedule most days, including several evenings and weekends. All workshop sessions are mandatory for selected delegates.
LANGUAGE
- The official languages of the WILD program are American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
- Sign language interpretation will be provided during formal program activities, workshops, discussions and site visits only.
- MIUSA uses a team of ASL sign language interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) who are experienced and skilled at providing interpretation for individuals who use different sign languages.
PROGRAM COST
Accepted participants will be responsible for:
- $250 USD program fee.
- NOTE: Scholarships are available based on applicant’s demonstrated financial need. Accepted participants can apply for a scholarship AFTER they have been accepted to the WILD program.
- $185 USD visa fee.
- Costs related to obtaining a current, valid passport and U.S. visa, including travel costs to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the home country and any required visa bonds (see List of Countries Subject to Visa Bonds)
- Personal incidentals, including laundry at the hotel, batteries, soap, toothpaste, international calling cards and mobile SIM cards
- Supplemental meals, snacks and beverage.
MIUSA will provide:
- Documentation to support applications for a B1/B2 U.S. visa
- Roundtrip airplane tickets in economy class for participants to travel from home countries to Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Travel health insurance during the WILD program
- All main meals, lodging, program activities and accessible transportation during the WILD program
- Spoken and sign language interpretation during formal program activities, workshops, discussion and site visits
- Disability-related accommodations, including sign language interpreters, mobility equipment, braille, etc.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Complete the WILD application form using the Google Forms link below.
- Submit a 30-60 second Video Essay using the Google Forms link below.
- Submit TWO professional recommendations. References may use the Google Forms link below.
You must submit the written application form, video essay, AND two recommendations to be considered. Due to the high number of applications expected, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Deadline: The WILD application is due Monday December 7th 11:59 PM PT
If you have any disability-related accommodation requests during the WILD application process, please contact womenleaders@miusa.org. Alternate formats of the application materials are available upon request.
