This past year, World Learning was asked to design and administer a 3-week International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on Disabilities Issues for 7 international visitors from Kazakhstan. Their program really highlighted accessibility: to housing, education, rapid transit, training and employment, public facilities, concert halls, museums, voting and more. I knew that some of the visitors were also interested in access to sports. So, in addition to working out logistics that were ADA-compliant in transportation, lodging, and pacing for the needs of 2 wheelchair users, we designed an itinerary that would include the chance to visit the Olympic Training Center headquarters in Colorado Springs — which is also home to the Paralympics — and end with time spent in Jacksonville, Florida, to enjoy their beach wheelchairs. Our colleagues in Denver, Colorado Springs, Jacksonville, and Baltimore outdid themselves, and here’s how.
by Marilyn Saks-McMillion, World Learning. Photo courtesy of U.S. Paralympic Team.