Note: This is an ongoing project in which I am partnering with the disability organization, Centre Living Upright in Serbia and the Novi Sad School of Journalism in Serbia. In the picture, Mima Ruzicic-Novkovic, leader of Centre Living Upright, speaks about better reporting on disability issues in Serbia in August 2013.
TOWSON, Md. -- Towson
University’s Department of Mass Communication & Communication Studies
and its Hussman Center for Adults with Autism will host representatives from
the Serbian disability organization, Centre Living Upright, and the Novi Sad
Journalism School in Serbia, as part of the U.S. Department of State sponsored Professional
Fellows EMPOWER Program, administered by Mobility
International USA (MIUSA). .
This two-way exchange program aims to expand the capacity of
organizations in the U.S. and abroad to promote inclusive communities and
advance disability rights around the world. Towson University is working on a long-term
project with the Serbian organizations to create and disseminate effective media messages surrounding disability
rights. Emphasis will be placed on the use of social media to advocate for the inclusion of individuals with
disabilities in all sectors of society
In August 2013, Rhonda Greenhaw, Director of Towson University’s Hussman
Center for Adults with Autism, went to Serbia to participate in a preliminary
exchange visit to build the foundation for the collaborative media advocacy
project.
From October 19-29, 2013, Milica Mima
Ruzicic-Novkovic, director of Centre Living Upright, and Jelena Jovovic from the
Novi Sad Journalism School will work alongside counterparts at Towson
University to gain first-hand experience on how issues in the disability rights
and journalism fields are addressed in the U.S.
During their time in Maryland, Ruzicic-Novkovic and Jovovic will meet with disability rights advocates and journalists from key organizations, audit journalism training courses, and develop a long-term project that will help illuminate disability rights in Serbia. The Towson University-Serbia project will include training Serbians with disabilities in both media advocacy and self-advocacy; educating Novi Sad journalism students on how to report on disability issues; creating a television show by and for Serbians with disabilities; and developing a media monitoring scheme.
Towson University is one of 20 U.S.-based organizations and institutions competitively selected to host overseas professionals from 40 organizations in 20 different countries. Projects range from inclusive education, independent living, healthcare rights, law and policy, recreation and sports, access to public services, and advocacy for all persons with disabilities. . Learn more about and view an interactive map of the 20 selected teams here.
During their time in Maryland, Ruzicic-Novkovic and Jovovic will meet with disability rights advocates and journalists from key organizations, audit journalism training courses, and develop a long-term project that will help illuminate disability rights in Serbia. The Towson University-Serbia project will include training Serbians with disabilities in both media advocacy and self-advocacy; educating Novi Sad journalism students on how to report on disability issues; creating a television show by and for Serbians with disabilities; and developing a media monitoring scheme.
Towson University is one of 20 U.S.-based organizations and institutions competitively selected to host overseas professionals from 40 organizations in 20 different countries. Projects range from inclusive education, independent living, healthcare rights, law and policy, recreation and sports, access to public services, and advocacy for all persons with disabilities. . Learn more about and view an interactive map of the 20 selected teams here.
At the conclusion of the program, all overseas participants and their U.S. hosts will gather in Washington, D.C., for a three day conference facilitated by MIUSA, Oct. 31- Nov.2. Participants will network with other leaders in their field, and share plans for long-term projects that will be implemented upon their return home.
For press inquiries, please
contact:
Beth Haller, Ph.D., Towson University Department of Mass
Communication and Communication Studies, (410) 704-2442, bhaller@towson.edu
Anna Griffin, U.S. Department of State, (202) 632-6452, griffinAL@state.gov
About Towson University’s
Department of Mass Communication & Communication Studies and the Hussman
Center for Adults with Autism:
The Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies
focuses on the study of the structure, processes, aesthetics, functions, ethics
and criticism of mass media and human communication. The department provides
students with broad and diverse course work in advertising, journalism and new
media, public relations, and communication studies.
The Hussman Center for Adults with Autism brings together Towson
students and young adults on the autism spectrum to create a mutually-rewarding
learning environment. Social, educational and fitness programs support student
learning and adults with autism as they develop the tools needed to lead
meaningful lives as engaged members of their communities.
About the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs: The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Exchange supports exchange programs that increase
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other
countries. Approximately 50,000 individuals take part annually in exchange
programs managed by the U.S. Department of State.
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