Independent Living briefly
Compiled and edited by Jennifer Geagan (jennifer@wid.org)
European Union Adopts 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities
The European Union adopted 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities, and thousands of activities and events will commemorate the Year throughout 2003 in the different participating countries. A European Campaign will begin in Greece in January 2003, go through all the Member States of the European Union, and end in Italy in December 2003. Activities, events and actions supporting the European campaign and at all levels in the Member States will be organized with the involvement of the disability movement. For information about the European campaigns and national and local level activities, visit http://www.eypd2003.org. For basic information on the Year, visit http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/disability/year_en.html.
Active Disabled Students Program Emerges in the Balkans
A dynamic organization of students with disabilities is working to achieve equality for disabled students and young persons in South Eastern Europe. The Association of Disabled Students (ADS), the first cross-disability student organization in the region, is committed to improving access to education, to promoting full integration into society and to increasing opportunities for young people and students with disabilities in Serbia and Montenegro. Based in Belgrade, ADS's activities include offering a variety of workshops, a media campaign and other community advocacy activities, as well as networking with other disabled student groups from the Balkan Region and Eastern Europe. Representatives have also visited disabled student groups and disability organizations in the US and other European countries. ADS has also been invited to join the newly formed Government of Republic Serbia's Council for Disability Issues and will be one of two NGOs representing persons with disabilities in Serbia. For more information about ADS, visit http://www.adsyu.org.
Mobility International USA's NCDE Publishes 7th Issue of A World Awaits You (AWAY) Journal
The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) recently released its annual issue of A World Awaits You (AWAY). AWAY is a journal describing successful experiences of individuals with disabilities in various types of exchange programs including study, volunteer, internships and short-term work abroad. The current issue covers accessibility issues, independently arranged exchanges, professional development programs, and offers tips and useful information for both the first time as well as more experienced traveler. Stories include exchange experiences in China, France, Ireland, Russia, Uganda and the United States. Readers will also find tips for recruiting disabled youth for international exchanges and how to plan for international visitors with disabilities. To request a free copy of this latest issue of A World Awaits You, contact NCDE, PO Box 10767, Eugene, OR, 97440 or e-mail: clearinghouse@miusa.org.
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