Understanding disability and culture while enhancing advocacy

In Canada's increasingly multicultural society, a common understanding of the basic rights of individuals with disabilities in educational and workplace settings is essential for educators to provide appropriate programs and inclusive opportunities. This paper will describe a three-year project that the Faculty of Education at Brock University has begun with six other international post-secondary institutions in an attempt to cross cultural barriers in the field of advocacy for persons with disabilities. Over the course of two years, 40 Canadian students and 30 European students will be involved in an international course and internship experience. This is intended to be an experientially-based, intensive immersion experience in disabilities instruction. It is expected that the participants will begin to view disability from a human rights perspective and to return home with the cultural knowledge and understanding of disability needed to promote a more inclusive society.