University of Pittsburgh Study Abroad Office to Debut Documentary About Travel Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh 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 SAO is hosting a by-invitation-only premiere of Making It Happen: Study Abroad for Students With Disabilities at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Schenley Ballroom, Holiday Inn at University Center, 100 Lytton Ave. 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 production 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 its premiere, the film will be 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 to further explain study abroad options for those with disabilities, has already gained national attention from some of the most respected institutions and program providers in the field of international education, including an award from Mobility International USA, which recognized Pitt's SAO and Student Affairs' Disability Resources and Services collaborative effort.

The SAO produced the film through a grant from The IFSA Foundation with financial contributions from Pitt's study abroad providers, including International Studies Abroad, CEA—Cultural Experiences Abroad, Academic Programs International, American Institute for Foreign Study, Institute for Study Abroad-Butler, Study Australia, and Arcadia University. It was made in cooperation with Outsider Entertainment, Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, University College Cork, University College Limerick, Queen Mary College, University of London, University of Sussex, University of Norwich, University of Westminster, and University of Minnesota.

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.

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