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Learn about our history, projects, programs, opportunities and history.
Empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.



MIUSA CEO and Co-Founder, Susan Sygall, in VietnamChallenge Yourself and Change the World!®

"I believe that all people with disabilities are members of a global family. Working together across borders is our most powerful way of effecting changes."

-Susan Sygall, CEO, Mobility International USA
Recipient, MacArthur Fellowship

Mobility International USA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was co-founded in 1981 by Susan Sygall and Barbara Williams.





MIUSA works in four main areas to provide programs and services including:

* National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange (NCDE)
* International Development & Disability
* International Exchange Programs
* Women, Disability and Development

Mobility International USA is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health-related, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities.



National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE)

Since 1995, MIUSA has served as the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE), a project sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and managed by MIUSA to: educate people with disabilities and related organizations about international exchange opportunities; increase the participation of people with disabilities in the full range of international volunteer, study, work and research programs; advise international exchange organizations about the Americans with Disabilities Act; and facilitate partnerships between people with disabilities, disability-related organizations and international exchange organizations.

NCDE provides conference presentations, collaborative initiatives, publications and resources, and information and referrals to disability and international exchange professionals, and students, volunteers and individuals with disabilities interested in international exchange opportunities. For information on other international exchange opportunities, browse resources offered through our Web site or if you cannot find what you are looking for ask us for information. E-mail: clearinghouse@miusa.org.


MIUSA International Exchange Programs

MIUSA's international exchange programs last from 2-4 weeks and are held throughout the year in the US and abroad. MIUSA has worked with people with and without disabilities from more than 80 countries. Activities include living with homestay families, leadership seminars, disability rights workshops, cross-cultural learning, and teambuilding activities such as river rafting and challenge courses. Participants develop strategies for making changes, both within themselves and in their communities. Focused programs have been developed for youth, young adults, parents, professionals and women. E-mail exchange@miusa.org.


International Development & Disability

Committed to infusing the disability perspective into international development issues, MIUSA collaborates with international agencies to ensure that people with disabilities participate fully and equally at all levels of the development process: as beneficiaries, volunteers, trainers, field staff, administrators and policy makers. Using world-renowned consultants, MIUSA provides technical assistance to governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working toward inclusive policy and programming. MIUSA offers organization assessments, staff training, gender planning, networking lists of disability-led NGOs and conference presentations. MIUSA is a member of InterAction, a coalition of over 160 US relief, development and refugee agencies. E-mail: development@miusa.org


Women, Disability and Development

MIUSA works for empowerment, equal opportunities and human rights for women and girls with disabilities around the world. MIUSA's Loud, Proud & Passionate!® projects focus on infusing the perspectives of women with disabilities into international women's movements and development agendas. Loud, Proud & Passionate® is one important step toward creating opportunities for women with disabilities to take integral roles in the development process, empowering themselves and their communities. MIUSA has sponsored conferences and trainings all over the world. E-mail: exchange@miusa.org


Employment and Internship Opportunities

Mobility International USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The organization is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. More information on available opportunities can be found here.

About our CEO, Susan Sygallsusan sygall miusa ceo.jpeg

Susan Sygall, co-founder and CEO of Mobility International USA, is an internationally recognized expert in the area of international educational exchange and leadership programs for persons with disabilities. Sygall, who uses a wheelchair, has had a personal and professional commitment to disability rights and women's issues for more than 25 years. She has co-authored numerous publications in the area of international exchange and international development opportunities for persons with disabilities and co-produced several award winning videos. Sygall has lectured throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia on a variety of topics related to international exchange and disability rights, and has traveled to more than 25 countries.

Sygall has received numerous awards for her passionate advocacy for disability rights, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2000. Sygall has also been awarded a Graduate Rotary Scholarship, the Rotary Scholar Alumni Achievement Award, the Humanitarian Award from the Jewish Federation, a Tom and Ruth Rivers Scholarship and a Women to Watch Award from the Jewish Woman Magazine. She was named Disabled Oregonian of the Year in 1994 and received the Kellogg National Fellowship, which is awarded to approximately 40 outstanding leaders each year in the United States. In 1995, Sygall received the President's Award from President Bill Clinton for her dynamic leadership in international exchange programs for people with disabilities, for her mentorship of young people with disabilities, and for her active role throughout our country and the world in empowering people with disabilities.