Paraquad Welcomes Romanian Advocate in Exchange Program

Silvia Ursu Learns About U.S. Disability Services During Three-Week Fellowship

While at Paraquad yesterday, I learned of an exciting exchange program.

Paraquad is currently hosting Silvia Ursu of the National Organization of Disabled People Federation (NODPF) of Romania through the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program. The Professional Fellows Program brings emerging leaders from around the world to the United States for intensive fellowships designed to broaden their professional expertise.

Ms. Ursu has worked for two years as a Communication Coordinator at NODPF and is a strong advocate of community organization and self-advocacy by people with disabilities. She recently was awarded a grant to benefit people with disabilities for the project “Restart Romania Gala,” which was supported by the U.S. Embassy.

At Paraquad, Ms. Ursu will observe the Public Policy and Advocacy Department to learn about local, state and national efforts to promote equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. She began at Paraquad on April 11 and will be there until May 2.

"We are delighted that Silvia will be joining us through this program. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with her while also learning about the challenges and approaches to disability rights in Romania. Since this is her first time in the U.S., we are excited to expose Silvia to our culture,” said Sarah Durbin, Paraquad's Director of Public Policy and Advocacy.

The Professional Fellows Program embraces the power of individual citizens to find solutions to meet challenges that face their societies and promote shared global prosperity. The Fellows, along with approximately 400 U.S. participants traveling overseas to work on reciprocal programs, help internationalize their U.S. host business and organizations.

In the fall, Sarah Durbin will complete the exchange program by traveling to Romania for three weeks where she will get the opportunity to observe the disability rights movement in Silvia's home country.

Paraquad is one of 16 U.S.-based non-profit organizations chosen to host foreign professionals in 2012- 2013 from over 40 countries and territories worldwide. The program culminates in a three-day Professional Fellows Congress, May 8-11, 2013 in Washington, D.C. where the participants gather to design real-world solutions and projects they can implement in their home communities and institutions.

For more information please visit: http://www.exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/professional-fellows-legis... and www.paraquad.org.

About Paraquad

Founded in 1970, Paraquad is the leading disability services provider in the St. Louis region. One of the oldest non-residential Centers for Independent Living in the country, Paraquad’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to increase their independence through choice and opportunity. A key focus is to make St. Louis more accessible for all people by advocating, building awareness, and delivering comprehensive services.

For more information, contact: Pamela Perlmutter: (314) 289-4233 or pperlmutter@paraquad.org or Kevin Condon: (314) 289-4348 or kcondon@paraquad.org.