Duskin Disability Leadership Program

2019

The Duskin Disability Leadership Program at UMass Boston enables trainees to develop their leadership capacity. Program graduates will engage in advocacy, policy, and service provision within the Japanese disability community. Through our program, Japanese individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 participate in a five-month intensive disability leadership and advocacy training in Boston, Massachusetts. The goal of the program is to build disability leadership capacity in Japan. The program is sponsored by the Duskin Ainowa Foundation and implemented by the ICI at UMass Boston. Through this program, participants not only enhance their leadership and advocacy skills; they also gain new knowledge and skills related to disability and inclusion. Trainees also improve their English language or American Sign Language proficiency. The program uses a group model to further participants leadership and advocacy training. However, trainees also pursue their own independent projects inspired by a question, issue, or problem related to disability. As part of their projects, trainees participate in an internship with a disability-focused government or community organization. After graduating from the program, Duskin trainees contribute to their communities in Japan in disability leadership roles. They also become mentors to future program participants.

Continuing Education/Community Training

Education & Early Intervention

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals

None

Not Applicable

N/A