Mobility International USA (MIUSA), co-founded in 1981 by Susan Sygall and Barbara Williams, is a disability-led non-profit organization headquartered in Eugene, Oregon advancing disability rights and leadership globally. MIUSA empowers people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
About
MIUSA’s mission and vision aims to ensure a just, accessible and inclusive community in which the human rights, citizenship, contribution and potential of people with disabilities are respected and celebrated. They are leading experts on a broad range of topics including advocacy strategies, bridging communities, inclusive societies, accessibility guidance and much more. MIUSA has truly been changing how people with and without disabilities think about disability in countries around the world. MIUSA builds future advocates, including the need of women to be elevated within the international disability rights movement. Watch this fantastic video from the International Women’s Forum where Susan tells her story and how MIUSA began.
Impact
MIUSA’s impact is felt internationally from Eugene to countries like Spain, Costa Rica, Nepal, Turkey and many more. The Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) is the signature women’s leadership training program of MIUSA. WILD is a highly selective, intensive three-week training that brings women with disabilities from around the world to Eugene. WILD’s impact has been nothing short of spectacular. To date, there are 252 total WILD particpants, 89 WILD countries represented and 2,600 total WILD Women with Disabilities (WWDS) trained at grassroots level.
MIUSA hasn’t stopped breaking barriers and making a name for themselves since they started. There are currently over 2,300 MIUSA alumni all over the world and those numbers continue to grow. In fact, 67% of WILD participants have been published, interviewed or have been featured in TV, radio, print and or other media. Not only that, but 76% of WILD participants receive new funding or in-kind support drawing on resources acquired through WILD. MIUSA held multiple events in 2023 and are currently working on events in 2024. WILD will be bringing the next cohort of women with disabilities and emerging leaders from all over the world to Eugene, Oregon in Summer 2025 for the three-week leadership training program.
Over the years, people from over 135 countries have been brought to Eugene by MIUSA events. MIUSA has worked with the City of Eugene on the Spencer Butte Challenge Course and has really enjoyed that partnership. MIUSA was able to get a mural located near Palace Bakery that depicts women from an actual photograph from a MIUSA event. Susan says that people have enjoyed seeing themselves in the mural. Susan continues to advocate for people around the world with disabilities and is consulting with the US Peace Institute. She is also a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. The MacArthur Foundation boldly invests in creative solutions to critical challenges, sparking hope for the future.
Collaborating with MIUSA
MIUSA offers the opportunity to engage with them through partnerships, projects, trainings and programs to advance the rights of people with disabilities globally. MIUSA also assists with delivering keynote speeches and presentations for conferences, developing curriculum and higher education courses on inclusive development, and leadership training for disabled women and girls. Susan is also a highly sought-after speaker who has brought her expertise and experience to countless presentations and talks.
Celebrating MIUSA
Susan and MIUSA have had an invaluable impact in the world of disability. Susan has become an icon to people all around the world. The impact of MIUSA is profound and should be celebrated loudly and with pride. Not only should you celebrate the remarkable work that has been achieved, also consider how your group can collaborate with MIUSA or how their work can inspire your group to make an impact in your community.
