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