Dr. Alexis McKenney has been a professor for almost 24 years. Her near quarter-century of experience has seen her teach both at home and away. Alexis graduated with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Florida before returning to earn her Master of Science at the same institution. Later, the University of Georgia awarded her with a Doctorate in Education.
She specializes in recreational therapy, which has evolved into one of her passions. Her most memorable academic experiences following her graduation include bringing students abroad. Her study abroad courses are not the most conventional, with their main themes being disability, inclusion, and accessibility. Those who sign up for her classes learn about the various obstacles confronted by people with disabilities on their travels.
Dr. Alexis McKenney specifically teaches her students to advocate for those who want to travel to study abroad despite having a disability. It’s about granting equal access to all, not just the able-bodied. People with disabilities began to apply to her program: it’s a course for them, not just one about them.
For students with disabilities who want to take a module abroad, Alexis suggests visiting your school’s Disability Resource Center first. They can back up your application. After that, the student should set up an appointment with their relevant professor. They need to demonstrate their commitment to the program. Such a collaborative approach can only help their chances.
Away from academia, Dr. McKenney likes to write. She blogs about her travels, with France and Italy being two of the most enchanting countries she has explored in Europe, at any rate. Alexis is also an enthusiastic user of social media. For more of her most recent articles, check out her website Unchecked Boxes.
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The world needs more people like Dr. Alexis. I can feel her passion and love for teaching.
Oh, this is wonderful! It is very important to help each other; we are equal and should have equal rights and access to all. Having a chance to study abroad is a great way to meet new people and discover new worlds.
I think this post is so helpful for some. I love that there are options for those that may need a little more help to be able to experience study abroad.
Loved this post. Really amazing to know about your passion for education and teaching. This is a wonderful post, thanks for sharing!
I couldn’t agree more with the concept of equal access and opportunity for all. I think it’s wonderful that Dr Alexis is campaigning for this.
She is great. I just checked out her blog and we can learn a lot from her travels.
I love this. Thanks for sharing her story. You never know how much it inspires me. Studying abroad with disabilities is not an easy road to take.
What an amazing woman with a passion to help others. I am so thankful for her desire to help those traveling with disabilities. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
Traveling abroad is a wonderful experience for learning and growth and definitely needs to be available for all, so many students neglect to take advantage of the many study abroad programs out there. This post provides a great checklist for the perspective disabled student traveler as well as their parents.
I was just reading about the birthright trip and what they do for those that have special needs. We should be making these things accessible.
I love this! My son has autism and will probably want to travel. I always hope he’ll do okay if he does!
It is really important that those that are disabled have equal access to studying abroad. It can be an amazing experience.
What a wonderful thing she is doing and I love to hear about those learning abroad.
Traveling with disabilities is hard. This is so cool that they help those with special needs.
Traveling is fun. They help a lot of people in need of experience traveling.
Equal access is so important. Thanks for sharing her story.
This is so heartwarming. We need more people like Dr. Alexis in the world!
Her life is so exciting. I wonder if she ever get bored.? Hehe. Thanks for the video and for the inspiration.
So glad to hear more about her. Her video is so inspiring.
She sounds like an incredible brilliant woman!
Thanks for sharing this post on Dr. Alexis McKenney on studying abroad with disabilities. I agree 100% and I am thankful you are shedding light on this.
I am grateful, humbled, and hopeful for continued change after reading all of these amazing comments. Thank you!
What a wonderful article and the world needs more people like this 🙂 This promotes hope and I am loving it!