Pacific Rim Collaborations
AccessSTEM and other evidence-based DO-IT interventions are being employed around the world. Japan began its collaboration with DO-IT when, in 2004, they sent their first of two professors from the University of Tokyo to the DO-IT Center in Seattle to begin adapting the program to the Japanese culture. DO-IT Japan hosted its first Summer Study program for teens with disabilities in 2004 and two DO-IT participants from Washington State traveled to Japan to assist. DO-IT Japan continues to offer the Summer Study program and year-round online mentoring to students with disabilities; a program for younger students was recently added. DO-IT Japan continues to work year-round with technology companies to promote the incorporation of universal design features in mainstream products and develop assistive technology for people with disabilities in Japan.
DO-IT Center and DO-IT Japan leaders are working with leaders in South Korea to increase efforts in South Korea to help people with disabilities to be more successful in college and careers, using technology as an empowering tool. These and other DO-IT international activities promote four actions:
- Develop a support program for youth with disabilities that includes residential study on a college campus, in-person and online peer and mentor support, internships and other work-based learning, and access to computers and assistive technology.
- Promote the development of and use of technology for people with disabilities.
- Encourage universal design of instruction, physical spaces, technology, and services.
- Promote institutional change.
Specific guidelines for taking these steps are included in DO-IT's International Connections page at https://www.washington.edu/doit/programs/do-it-international-initiative.
