By Andrea Perry, Manager | Career Advancement Program, Greenheart Exchange.
Each July, Greenheart International brings together participants and alumni from around the world for our Greenheart Global Leaders Conference (GGLC) in Washington, D.C. Participant’s from any of our programs can apply for this exciting opportunity, where their travel, food and board are covered by Greenheart! This weeklong, cross-cultural scholarship experience is designed to promote cultural exchange, community development, and future-focused leadership action plans.
After a pause during COVID, we were thrilled to relaunch the conference, now hosted on the historic Gallaudet University campus. Gallaudet holds a unique significance, as it is the world’s only university specifically designed for the Deaf and hard of hearing. By holding our conference here, we not only celebrate leadership and diplomacy, but also highlighting how cross-cultural exchange can happen within communities in the same country.
GGLC’s workshops on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This year, participants explored leadership, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication while also learning about the culture and history of the Deaf community. With the guidance of Andrea Perry, Greenheart staff member and former ADA Counselor, participants engaged in workshops on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the history of disability rights in the U.S., and reflections on how to advocate for inclusivity worldwide.
This workshop provided participants with the tools to connect global leadership to advancing disability rights in their own communities. However, these conversations challenged all of us to think about how we can make Greenheart programs, and the opportunities they provide, more inclusive to those with disabilities.
The ADA was a groundbreaking step in opening doors for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to opportunities they are fully qualified for. However, the spirit of inclusion goes beyond laws. It requires organizations, host employers, and individuals to reflect, adapt, and create spaces where everyone can thrive.
How can Host Organizations make exchange programs more inclusive for participants with disabilities, especially within the Intern and Trainee program?
As a Host Organization, you play a key role. You shape the professional development of your Exchange Visitors and their sense of belonging. A few practical ways to foster inclusion might be:
- Adapt the workplace: Provide adjustable workstations, counters, or tools for participants with mobility limitations.
- Ensure accessibility: Confirm that entrances, restrooms, breakrooms, and kitchens are wheelchair accessible.
- Offer accessible training: Use visual aids, captions, and alternative formats so that materials are clear to everyone.
- Be flexible with accommodations: This might mean modified schedules, assistive technology, or accessible equipment.
- Encourage mentorship: Pair participants with mentors to support confidence, growth, and career development.
- Respect health needs: Offer flexible scheduling or modified duties when certain physical tasks aren’t possible.
- Keep communication open: Provide a confidential way for employees to request accommodations.
- Stay current: Review workplace policies regularly to ensure they reflect best practices in accessibility.
- Model inclusion: Train staff and Exchange Visitors on how to assist guests with disabilities, respectfully. This helps set the tone for a welcoming environment from employees to customers alike.
The Ongoing Journey of Creating Access to Individuals with Disabilities
Creating access for those with disabilities, however, is an ongoing journey. It’s a continual commitment to ask: who might be left out, and what more can we do? By keeping this question at the heart of cultural exchange, Host Organizations can open more doors. They can help build a stronger, more equitable global community.
By sharing stories and building on one another’s experiences, we ensure cultural exchange opportunities are open to all. We also strengthen a more inclusive global community.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing such your inspiring experience with us!
Leadership opportunities like the GGLC are fully funded by Greenheart’s network of generous donors. We can’t be more grateful for their support ❤
Learn more about Greenheart’s Odyssey programming and find out how you can support these programs at Greenheart.org.