Mobility International USA, or MIUSA, is a disability-led nonprofit that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities globally.

Based in Eugene, Oregon, this 33-year-old organization seeks to fulfill a mission that empowers people with disabilities to achieve their rights through international exchange and development.

To ensure an accessible and inclusive community for people with disabilities, a place where they can feel respected as well as celebrated, MIUSA implements innovative programs that allow them to achieve equitable opportunities:

• • National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
  • RightsNow! Strong Communities through Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project
  • U.S./Armenia Sports for Success: Increasing Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities
  • U.S. /U.K. Youth with Disabilities Leadership and Empowerment Exchange Program
  • U.S./Pakistan Women with Disabilities Leadership Exchange Program
  • Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
  • Empower Partnerships for Inclusive Communities Professional Exchange Program
  • International High School Students with Disabilities Study in the U.S.
  • Brilliant & Resilient Photo Exhibit

At MIUSA, every good project starts with a passion for change whether it’s designing something that includes people with disabilities or seeking professional exchange program and government leaders. Each project aims to advance the rights of people with disabilities globally.

In addition to these programs, MIUSA works toward education and breaking down preconceived notions of what is possible for the disabled to accomplish. MIUSA works to create relationships between disparate groups, enabling them to partner with each other for change.

MIUSA also provides leadership training and information services, as well as resources, on how to equally and effectively be part of inclusive, international opportunities. They learn directly from people with disabilities to gain a true understanding of the community that that they serve.

With a vision to promote the value of disability rights, MIUSA is changing how people with and without disabilities think about this global issue by creating advocates for disability issues as well as for women’s rights, international youth opportunities and human rights efforts.

– Chelsee Yee

Sources: Mobility International USA, Channel Foundation, Management Sciences for Health
Photo: University of Oregon