An International Consortium for the Development of Rehabilitation Professionals
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Transcript of An International Consortium for the Development of Rehabilitation Professionals
An International Consortium for the Development of
Rehabilitation Professionals
University of Wisconsin-Stout (Kathleen Deery, Ph.D.; Renee Surdick)Universal Learning Systems (Alan Bruce, Ph.D.)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Ph.D)Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (Henry McCarthy, Ph.D.)
Support Provided by the Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE)
Premise“The emergence of a true global economy dictates a new role in international activities to promote the well being of persons with disabilities through access to jobs, better technology and social supports... “
Source: NIDRR Long Range Plan 1999-2004
Rationale
• Of the estimated 600 million people with disabilities living in the world, more than 500 million are considered “marginalized” by society – lacking the basic human rights of inclusion, equality, accessibility, and justice.
Source: UN, Disability Statistics Database
Only a small proportion of the world has established anti-discrimination regulations, and only four countries have passed Disability Rights legislation. (US/UK/AU/NZ)
Problem
• Training of rehabilitation professionals is not universally available
• Available training is varied & tends to lack a holistic approach to service provision
Foreign Perceptions of U.S. Models
• U.S. rehabilitation interventions in foreign countries are sometimes perceived as “charitable” and one-sided
• U.S. rehabilitation models have not been shaped by the experiences, insights or achievements of other countries
In a globalized environment….
• It’s important to know what other countries are doing
• It’s equally important to know what our own countries are doing– What are the international efforts
within our individual nations?
Solution:
• By creating learning partnerships on an international level, we can begin to exchange and develop mutually beneficial “best practices”
Key Point:
International is not the same as Multicultural
Targeted Domains
• Legislation• Assessment• Counseling• Independent Living• Training• Placement• Technology• Research
Challenges of an International Partnership
• Dealing with different…– Definitions– Traditions– Legislation– Systems– Policy Emphases
• Ethnocentric habits• Disparate training and credentials
Benefits of an International Partnership
• Enhance learning• Develop new perspectives• Challenge assumptions• Promote creative dialogue• Increase use of technology• Foster innovation
Best Practices Emerge
Ideal partnerships are based on:
• Commitment to Values– Respect– Appreciation– Listening
• Collaborative Mission– Vision– Strategy– Transformation
An International Partnership for
Collaborative Learning: United States & Ireland
Rationale for Partnership
• Both U.S. and Ireland have had successful models of rehabilitation
• Common language • Historical connections• Interlinked cultures
The Partners
• Universal Learning Systems (Dublin, Ireland)
• Dunhill Learning Centre (Waterford, Ireland)
• University College Cork (Cork, Ireland)
• University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI)
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)
• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans, LA)
Vision
• To create an international model of collaboration that is built upon the strengths and contributions of each partner in the rehabilitation enterprise
Methodologies for Collaboration
• Distance Education Technologies• Organizational Support• Resource Sharing• Peer Exchanges• Research
Phase I
Identification of individual and overlapping needs in:
– United States– Ireland– European Union
Needs in the United States
• Funding• Professional Competence• Access to Health Care • Philosophical & Programmatic
Stability• Data Driven Outcome Measures • Program Evaluation
Needs in Ireland
• Structural Change• Independent Living• Legislation• Professional Competence• Mainstreaming• Standards• Employment Outcomes
Needs of the European Union• The Four Pillars
– Employability– Adaptability– Entrepreneurship– Equal Opportunities
• Social Cohesion• Rights• Inclusion• Employment Strategy• ESF Efficiency
Common Needs
• Consumer-Driven Change• Assessment-Based Decision
Making• Disability Management • Social and Cultural Awareness• Research Orientation • Program Evaluation
Phase II
• Ongoing network development– Video & teleconferencing– Web-based communication– Shared site visits
• Development of distance education programs– Continuing education – Graduate degree program
Future Directions
• Consumer advocacy• Student and peer exchanges• Collaborative research• Knowledge dissemination• Systems change