Learning Disability Week | American and Welsh universities unite to champion healthcare inclusivity

As part of its commitment to inclusive, global healthcare education, the University of South Wales (USW) has forged a unique partnership with the University of Massachusetts. Together, they are exploring global health issues through the lens of nursing, with a strong focus on people with learning disabilities.

Assistant Professor Melissa Desroches, from the University of Massachusetts, travelled to USW to deliver lectures and explore clinical practice. Funded through the Welsh Government’s Taith programme, a scheme supporting international educational exchanges, Senior Lecturer in Learning Disability Nursing, Dr Stacey Rees, later visited Massachusetts for reciprocal teaching and practice engagement.

This exchange went far beyond academic visits. The collaboration included establishing a ‘community of practice’ between nursing students in both institutions. Students from across nursing degrees at USW were paired with third-year general nursing students from the University of Massachusetts. Together, they explored how global issues affect healthcare in both Wales and the USA, sharing their research and insights during an online advocacy event in March.

“The event went really well,” said Dr Rees. “The students really enjoyed it. We had participation from academics and clinicians in both countries, and the event was opened and closed by Joe Powell, Director of All Wales People First and a current USW postgraduate student and autistic person.”

Crucially, this partnership exposed students to how health systems differ internationally, while reinforcing that the barriers faced by people with learning disabilities are often universal.

“The students in America don’t specialise in learning disability nursing the way we do,” Dr Rees explained. “They follow a general programme and undertake placements across different fields, including learning disabilities. So, it was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and exchange experiences.”

The project fostered new friendships and professional networks, with students continuing their conversations across digital platforms. “It truly reflected the spirit of global partnership,” Dr Rees added. “The learning disability students in particular were empowered, they felt heard and valued by their peers.”

While the initiative presented logistical challenges, notably differing academic calendars and time zones, the success of the event means that USW plans to run it again next year, with refined coordination and even broader participation.

Beyond academic benefit, Dr Rees sees something deeper: a shift in narrative. “There’s often a negative narrative around learning disability nursing, such as, misconceptions about job prospects or feeling undervalued. But this showed them that their expertise is meaningful on a global scale, which has done no end of good for their confidence and motivation.”