Application Deadline: November 29th 2017
The International Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment will enable 20 Professional Fellows from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to participate in a five-week Fellowship program at a university-based research and education center or community-based organization for disabilities in the United States. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is administered by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) in partnership with Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Handicap International (HI).
Fellows in this program will learn approaches that can inform their efforts to strengthen employment access for people with disabilities in their home countries. Inclusive employment means that people with disabilities are not excluded from the competitive labor market on the basis of disability. Fellows will also form connections with mentors at the university centers or community-based organizations that serve as their host sites, and will plan an inclusive employment project that they will implement in their home countries with support from their host mentors. This is called the follow-on project.
Two cohorts of Fellows will participate in the program. The first cohort will be in the U.S. from April 26 to June 3, 2018, and the second cohort will be in the U.S. from October 11 to November 18, 2018.
Eligibility Requirements:
The International Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment is a merit based competition that is open to candidates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. All eligible
applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Semi-finalists will be interviewed and must
pass English language proficiency tests. Applicants will be considered based on the following
criteria:
• Professional interest and/or experience in inclusive employment and disabilities.
• Two or more years of relevant work experience with or for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, universities, schools or community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills.
• Professional and program goals aligned with the AUCD mission of disability empowerment.
• Idea for an individualized inclusive employment project to implement in the Fellow’s home country.
• English language oral and written proficiency.
In order to meet Fellowship requirements, an applicant must be:
• 25–40 years old
• A citizen and resident of Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda
• Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
• Not currently participating in an academic, training, or research program in the
U.S.
• Available to travel during end of April through end of May 2018 or mid-October
through mid-November 2018
• Committed to returning to his or her home country for a minimum of two years
after completing the program
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable arrangements as
needed. Materials are available in alternative formats (e.g., Braille, electronic, large print) upon
request.
Key Program Activities:
Fellows will engage in:
1. An orientation to the program and life in the U.S. Fellows will learn about the U.S.
disability movement and disability rights, with a focus on inclusive employment.
2. A Professional Fellows Congress which will provide an opportunity to meet with hundreds
of other Professional Fellows from many countries who are participating in other exchange
programs. During the Congress, Fellows will engage in discussions and professional trainings to
support the development of projects at home.
3. A homestay with an American family at least one week (or four weekends) in duration.
4. A Fellowship at a host site in the U.S., likely a university-based research and education
center or community-based organization at which Fellows will work alongside experts, and
study policies and practices in inclusive employment. Fellows will be placed with a host whose
expertise matches their individual professional goals.
5. Weekly group seminars in which Fellows will discuss their host site placements, share
experiences, and learn about leadership and inclusive employment with mentors and peers.
6. An individualized inclusive employment project that is developed with support from host
mentors and implemented upon the Fellow’s return home. Project implementation may include a technical assistance trip by a host site mentor to the Fellow’s home country.
7. Ongoing access to alumni from other programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of
State, which will provide opportunities to share information and experiences, and to seek peer
support and mentoring.
Benefits:
Fellows receive funding for their Fellowship-related travel to and within the U.S.,
accommodations in the U.S., and more, including:
• Visa
• Round-trip travel between home country and U.S.
• Accident and health insurance for the duration of the Fellowship in the U.S.
• Living allowance (or equivalent supports) to cover costs of meals, housing, and incidental expenses
• Disability-related arrangements, if needed
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