In June of 1962, 13 Illinois graduates involved with wheelchair athletics embarked on a month-long tour of South Africa and Rhodesia known as “Have Wheelchair- Will Travel.” They were invited by an injured war veteran turned travel agent, in order to help others in Africa see the many opportunities for differently abled people. Over their month in Africa, the group engaged in sight-seeing and athletic showcases and competitions, meeting with local leaders and communities along the way.
DRES ventures abroad continued in 1975 when 6 students participated in a pilot study abroad program in Aix en Provence, France at the Franco-Scandinavian Institute, an institution with accessibility accommodations.
DRES continues to work alongside the Study Abroad office to encourage and support students with disabilities who wish to travel abroad.
- International Studies Building – Home of the Illinois Study Abroad Office, where students can receive assistance and guidance for studying abroad.
Cullen, C. (2016, June 29). Wheelchair Athletes’ 1962 Tour of South African and Rhodesia. Student Life an Culture Archives. https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/2016/06/29/wheelchair-athletes-1962-tour/.
DRES Exhibit Part 4: Celebrating Achievements. University of Illinois Archives. (n.d.). https://archives.library.illinois.edu/guides/disability/exhibit/part4.php.
Nugent, T. (1975). Semester Study Abroad 1975 (0005293) [Image]. Timothy J. Nugent Papers, RS 16/6/20, University of Illinois Archives. https://archon.library.illinois.edu/index.php?p=digitallibrary/digitalcontent&id=6490.