Over its 30 years, NCDE has offered free services such as:
Information and referral services to answer questions about navigating overseas travel with a disability, how to begin searching for international exchange opportunities and funding, designing international exchange programs for disability access and more.
An online library of over 200 tip sheets for disabled travelers and international exchange advisors. Whether you need to know how to arrange an accessible homestay, budget for disability access, or arrange disability-related accommodations abroad, we have a tip sheet for that!
Trainings and events to put disability access abroad on any agenda. Our webinars and conference presentations invite a wide array of presenters and perspectives, and NCDE presents the Joining Hands Symposium to stoke “deep dive” discussion. Skill-building opportunities for exchange alumni with disabilities to explore careers in international exchange through the “Access to Exchange” externship and fellowship programs.
Journals and books that show what’s possible. Our A World Awaits You journal highlights topics like foreign language learners, international students, and global opportunities through community college. Survival Strategies is a mustread book for aspiring travelers with disabilities.
Stories, videos and podcasts to bring exchange experiences to life. Explore our library of traveler stories, Ripple Effects podcast episodes, and Passport to Possibilities videos for candid conversations with disabled exchange alumni about the ups and downs (but mostly ups) of life abroad.
Did You Know?
NCDE has responded to thousands of inquiries related to people with disabilities participating in international exchange! Questions come from individuals with disabilities and their networks, international education professionals, and others from the U.S. and around the world! In the early days of NCDE, many of these inquiries would arrive via snail mail to our office in Eugene, Oregon; we sometimes collected the international stamps!
NCDE’s Roundtable Consortium
NCDE is grateful for the support of its advisory team of influential organizations and institutions responsible for developing and carrying out strategies to accomplish the NCDE’s goals. Approximately half of the members are international exchange organizations that promote inbound and/or outbound exchange programming at the secondary, postsecondary, and professional levels, while the other half engage the disability community, specializing in independent living, disability services, and disability rights. Bridging these organizations through the Roundtable results in a cross-pollination of ideas and collaboration among members, who then share best practices for disability-accessible exchange to colleagues throughout both fields. It’s a win-win!
Recent Roundtable Consortium members:
- U.S. Department of State, ECA
- Ability360
- AFS-USA
- AHEAD
- Alliance for International Exchange
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- American Councils for International Education
- CIEE – Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
- Cultural Vistas
- Deaf Worlds
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
- DA Global
- Global Ties U.S.
- Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA)
- Institute of International Education
- IREX
- NAFSA
- National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
- Partners for Youth with Disabilities
- United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD)
- University of California System, Education Abroad Program
- University of Minnesota, Learning Abroad Center
- World Learning
- 2-Gether International
This article is part of the AWAY Journal – NCDE’s 30th Anniversary Issue