Briefly Noted/SAO Produces Documentary About Travel Opportunities For Students With Disabilities

Pitt’s Study Abroad Office (SAO) has created a documentary that depicts students with disabilities who took advantage of study-abroad opportunities in such countries as Spain, Ireland, and England.

The documentary reinforces the office’s motto, “Study abroad is for everyone,” showing how students with disabilities can enhance their academic careers by studying abroad.

The SAO team interviewed students with apparent and nonapparent disabilities in Pittsburgh who have studied abroad. The team then traveled overseas to show facilities and accommodations available through a variety of study-abroad providers and universities.

By including Pitt and foreign students with disabilities, study-abroad providers, and staff within foreign institutions, the documentary presents a broad look at the international educational opportunities for students with disabilities.

Following SAO’s Feb. 7 by-invitation premiere of Making It Happen: Study Abroad for Students With Disabilities, the film will be made available for screening at international education and disability service conferences and for use by educational institutions.

The project, which includes a Web site and handbook, has already gained national attention from institutions and program providers in the field of international education, including an award from Mobility International USA.

For more information, contact Carol Larson at 412-648-7413 and larson@ucis.pitt.edu, or Jeff Whitehead at 412-648-2299 and whitehead@ucis.pitt.edu.