Accessing Carioca Culture through the Lens of Disability, builds on the platform of area studies to: (1) study accessibility and inclusion in Rio de Janeiro, a city hosting two world events (2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic/Paralympic Games); (2) learn the Carioca (person born and raised in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) perspective on disability; and (3) develop programs to implement enhanced accessibility and cultural awareness in U.S. classrooms and curricula.

The resources of the city of Rio de Janeiro provide a singular focal point to study this aspect of area studies and gain valuable knowledge from the process. Since these high profile events demand equitable access for all, the implications to transportation, architecture, education, sports, tourism, and leisure all come into the spotlight of disability. Participants will gain a greater understanding of access and disability by determining how these processes compare to adaptability in education in the U.S.A. Participants will promote integration of these concepts in their own classrooms and beyond, by sharing their experiences and area studies results through university-wide and district-level dissemination activities.

Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis and Dr. Jason Ellis, both AU COE faculty, have been awarded a Fulbright-Hays Short-term seminar grant to take students, teachers, and administrators to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, next summer (July 2016). All travel expenses will be covered by the grant (flight to Brazil, in country travel, room, meals, and site visits). Participants will travel with Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis and Dr. Jason Ellis, spend 30 days in Rio de Janeiro next summer and attend a series of seminars.

Selected participants will be required to take PORT 141 and 142 at Ashland University in the Spring semester 2016. Undergraduate students, must be able to take these classes within their course load. School teachers and administrators will take these classes free of charge. Undergraduate pre-service teachers must have achieved Junior or Senior credit status to participate in this project by July 2016.

Tentative Itinerary:

July 2: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Tour of Our Lady of Mercy School
July 3: Tour of Ipanema and cultural orientation
July 4-7: Portuguese Language (AM); Seminars & Field Research (PM)
July 8-9: Research Group Work (AM); Free afternoon (PM)
July 11-15: Portuguese Language (AM); Group Research & Field Research (PM)
July 16: Seminar
July 17: Free day
July 18-21: Portuguese Language (AM); Seminars (PM)
July 23: Power soccer exhibition
July 24: Free day
July 25-July 29: Portuguese (AM); Seminars & Research presentations (PM); Tour Museum of Image and Sound; Tour National Historic Museum of Rio de Janeiro
July 30: Travel from Brazil to Ohio