In early August, five visitors from Oman and two interpreters spent four days in Pensacola looking at disabled persons’ rights and accessibility through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The group was eager to look at local laws and federal, state, and private programs for improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. As an intern, I learned a lot as well as I guided the visitors to their appointments, observed meetings, and strolled through downtown Pensacola with them during their lunch breaks.
The group launched their visit at Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Community Park where Councilwoman Sherri Myers welcomed them. Myers is an expert in the field as she works as an attorney for people with disabilities and works at the Center for Independent Living-Disability Resource Center. The rain did not stop the visitors from learning about the beautiful park which is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The discussion continued in Pensacola City Hall where the group received honorary citizenship certificates with the City of Pensacola. I was amazed at how people from two cultures so different from each other could communicate so effectively.
The Florida Inclusion Network (FIN) county coordinator, Georganna Gordon, informed the visitors of FIN’s mission to offer learning opportunities, consultation, information, and support to educators, parents, and community members for inclusion of all students. The group enjoyed their meeting and praised Georganna for the information she shared.
Although on their second day in town the group opted to experience a slice of American culture at Cordova Mall during their lunch hour, on their first day in town they decided to skip lunch to shop for their families at Wal-mart. It was heartwarming to help one lady in the group as almost all of her items were for medical purposes for her family. She explained to me that the things she was purchasing were either too expensive or could not be found easily in her own country. Even though there was a language barrier between us, together we tried to hunt down all the items, leaving no family member behind.
Following our trip, we meet with the Center for Independent Living – Disability Resource Center. Susan Foster presented how the center works to improve advocacy services, provide information and referrals, promote independent living skills, and provide peer mentoring. It was really wonderful that the center had items to help with accessibility that could be checked out by community members.
The next day, the internationals went to Arc Gateway where Missy Rogers showed them the enormous center for providing skill training, work opportunities, community inclusion, education, and leisure activities. At the center, the visitors were invited to volunteer with adults working on art. I could tell it was a wonderful experience for all involved because the visitors’ faces were shining. At the end of their time, Arc Gateway presented the visitors with certificates to commemorate their visit.
The last two appointments in the Pensacola project focused on education. The group first meet with University of West Florida professors Dayna Beddick, Dr. Staci Whinnery, and Dr. Keith Whinnery who presented their innovative work on special education teaching programs and engaged the group in discussion. A different approach to the learning processes of people with disabilities was explored at Escambia Westgate School where Principal Terry Colburn and Joe Denmon described the school’s approach and invited the group on a site visit of the Lacey A. Collier Sensory Center, the biggest sensory center in the United States. Both the visitors and I were in awe of the complex and magnificent rooms.
The group ended their trip with a conference call where the Omanis discussed their thoughts on their participation on the IVLP with the program officers in Washington, D.C. Overall, their experience in northwest Florida was incredible for me to witness, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
Scarlett Munoz-Perez is a senior at the University of West Florida majoring in International Relations and is an integral part of Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council team.
Photo compliments of Arc Gateway