FLEX Program for Students with Disabilities

The FLEX Program offers equal opportunities, without discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, ethnicity or any other criterion and is equally dedicated to high school students with disabilities.

Disability is not a factor in the selection process, so we support students through various accommodations / facilitations throughout the selection process. These accommodations, part of American Councils programs' commitment to inclusion, include testing materials tailored for students with visual, hearing, and other disabilities. On the materials adapted with enlarged font, during the correction/testing period we support students with disabilities by: using the Braillle alphabet if the student knows and uses it, access to the personal laptop with screen reader, 15 extra minutes for the English test in round 3, preferential seats in the test room, wheelchair accessible test centers.

Since the launch of the program in 1993, more than 380 students from Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia with visual, hearing, motor and other disabilities have benefited from the FLEX scholarship. 

Before traveling to the host communities, FLEX students attend the MIUSA Preparatory Workshop for Students with Disabilities organized in Eugene, Oregon.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is a non-profit organization based in the United States, whose purpose is to support people with disabilities around the world to claim their fundamental rights through international exchange and international development. MIUSA is an organization that addresses all types of disabilities, including hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision, and others.

During the MIUSA Workshop, FLEX students participate in:

  • Interactive sessions on U.S. disability rights legislation and culture, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

  • Opportunities to learn directly about adapted sports and recreational activities, including adapted cycling!

  • Discussions about anticipated interests, experiences, concerns, strengths, ideas and challenges related to disabilities, as well as how they can be integrated into the objectives of your program

  • Opportunities to learn disability rights vocabulary used in the U.S. and practice culturally appropriate responses to disability-related situations

  • Debates with community members who have disabilities and/or similar interests

  • Activities to practice leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

  • A volunteer activity in the community of Eugene, Oregon

 

For further information, contact us at: flex.ro@americancouncils.org 

Phone number: +40 748 612 570

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