ICI (MN UCEDD) Partners on 'Twin Cities and Zambia Disability Connection'

May 1, 2008

Katie and Scott Thuleen welcomed the delegation to their home to see how it's been made accessible for their son Zach.

The Institute on Community Integration (ICI), University of Minnesota, is partnering with four community organizations (Arc Greater Twin Cities, Fraser, St. David's Child Development and Family Services, and Opportunity Partners) to provide advanced leadership training in disability advocacy, policy, and services for a delegation of nine government officials, missionaries, educators, and advocates from Zambia in southern Africa. Titled the "Twin Cities and Zambia Disability Connection," the project was launched with a visit to the Twin Cities by the Zambian delegation for a two-week intensive learning residency from March 28-April 13. It will continue this summer when trainers from the Minnesota partner organizations travel to Zambia.

The goal of the partnership is to support the Zambian delegation to be change-agents in further improving supports and services to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families in Zambia. The learning residency was modeled on the content of the Certificate in Disability Policy and Services offered by ICI and the University's Department of Educational Policy and Administration, and included morning classroom sessions held at Arc Greater Twin Cities, and afternoon visits to community agencies, programs, and homes.

Delegation members Sister Joyce and Father Patrick engaged in discussion with a class member in the Disability Policy and Services course at the University of Minnesota.

The delegation includes Grace Banda from the Zambia Ministry of Education; Mikala Mukongolw from the Bauleni Street Kids project; Alice Kaunda, a parent advocate; Sister Joyce Phiri, a Missionary Sister of St. Francis of Assisi; Sister Agnes Daka, a Little Sister of St. Francis; Sister Namangolw Liamunga, a Sister of Charity; and friars Joseph Ntumbila, Patrick Chisanga and Deodatus Mbebe, all from The Zambia Province of Franciscan Conventuals.

For further information, visit the project's blog or contact Amy Hewitt, ICI Training Director, at 612-625-1098.