First IVLP of 2025: Disability Rights and Independent Living!

Posted: February 27th, 2025 by Emily Rose, International Programs Lead Diplomacy, Global Visitors

From February 7-12th, we had the pleasure of hosting four international visitors from Georgia who visited Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for an enriching and busy weekend. Their itinerary included a curated bourbon tasting at New Riff Distilling, a guided tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and an unforgettable performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra featuring Antonin Dvorak’s New World Symphony. In addition, the delegates enjoyed a warm, home-hosted dinner with members of our community, making their experience even more memorable.

A highlight of their visit was their trip to New Riff Distilling, where they immersed themselves in Kentucky’s rich bourbon and whiskey heritage. Along with Dan Schlarman, along with our Vice President, Melissa McDonald, the delegates explored the intricate craftsmanship behind bourbon production while sampling some of the finest spirits the region has to offer. The cultural exchange was lively, as they shared insights into Georgia’s own traditions of spirit-making, finding common ground in the artistry and heritage of distillation. The delegates were so impressed by New Riff’s offerings that they left with multiple bottles to take home, eager to introduce a taste of Kentucky to friends and family in Georgia. We are incredibly grateful to New Riff for providing this immersive experience, further strengthening the bonds of cross-cultural appreciation.

During their visit, the Georgian delegates engaged with several key local organizations, including Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD), the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services, Independence Alliance, and Point Arc. These organizations generously dedicated over 30 hours of their time to discuss their vital work and the services they provide to the community.

The delegates were particularly impressed by the technology-assisted living plans offered by LADD, which empower individuals with disabilities to live independently. Coming from a country where individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities are often treated as children, the delegates found it refreshing to see how LADD views these individuals as adults with their own jobs, hobbies, and lifestyles. This approach greatly influenced their perspective on disability rights and inclusion.

In addition, the delegates learned about Cincinnati’s AccessCincy program, which integrates various city departments to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. One participant, Elena Mtchedlishvili, shared that “for the first time, I was able to move around the city without barriers and obstacles using a wheelchair,” highlighting the importance of accessibility in urban planning.

The meeting with Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services was a turning point for the delegates. They were eager to explore ways to collaborate with the organization to create strategies and tailor training programs that could be implemented in Georgia, helping to foster a more inclusive environment back home.

The delegates also found the discussions with Independence Alliance invaluable, particularly regarding their work with local government entities such as the Board of Elections. They were inspired by how the organization works to shift policies and perceptions surrounding disabilities and were interested in learning more about the peer support groups offered by Independence Alliance. One of the delegates, Ramini Matcharashvili, mentioned in his post-program survey, “I liked the independent alliance approach that they are constantly looking for international cooperation.”

Lastly, the delegates gained insightful perspectives from Point Arc’s transitional programs for youth and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The focus on equipping young people with life skills, job readiness, and social integration was a key point of interest for the visitors. They saw the potential for applying similar models in Georgia to enhance opportunities for youth with disabilities and recognized the power these programs have in changing societal attitudes and improving access to resources.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible community partners for taking the time to meet with our international delegates. Special thanks also go to our gracious home hosts: Mary and Jeff Seibert, and James McManus and Shibabrata (Shib) Mukherjee. Your generosity and support played a crucial role in the success of this program, creating opportunities for cross-cultural cooperation that continue to strengthen our community.