Fulbright Scholar Elisabeth Hladik: Advancing Inclusion and International Collaboration

As part of the prestigious Fulbright Program, which promotes academic and cultural exchange, Elisabeth has brought fresh perspectives to her work while immersing herself in the unique environment of the Czech Republic. In this piece, Libby shares her motivations, experiences, and the impact of her work during her time abroad.

Could you explain your current focus? What do you do?
My research centers on accessibility and inclusion for children with disabilities. With a background as an occupational therapist and a Ph.D. focused on community engagement for individuals with disabilities, I have a particular interest in cultural institutions like museums and libraries. My prior career as a theater artist has also influenced my approach to occupational therapy and accessibility of public venues.
Currently, my Fulbright project involves adapting tools for autistic children to ensure they are culturally appropriate for Czech audiences. This requires me to learn about the local culture and understand the needs of parents and children with developmental disabilities. During the fall, I’ve been learning about these cultural aspects, and in the spring, I plan to develop strategies for child-focused museums to improve their inclusivity. My tenure runs from September 2024 to June 2025.

Why did you pursue the Fulbright Program? What motivated you?
I have always been passionate about culture and had a personal motivation - my husband is Czech, which is an important part of this story. Additionally, several colleagues from my department in the U.S. had participated in Fulbright programs, which inspired me. When applying, you must select a specific country, and for me, the Czech Republic felt like the perfect fit. Collaborating with the Institute of Inclusion here aligned with my research interests, so it was a natural choice.

What were the challenges of the application process?
The most challenging part was finding the right host institution. Fulbright applicants are responsible for identifying and securing partnerships, which can be daunting. I initially connected with a community partner who was an occupational therapist at Integrační Centrum Zahrada in Prague but I also needed an academic collaborator. After researching relevant work in the Czech Republic, I found articles by prof. Karel Pančocha, prof. Sheri Kingsdorf and vice dean Helena Vadurova from the Institute of Inclusion. I reached out, explained my project, and they enthusiastically agreed to collaborate. It’s been an excellent fit, and their support has been invaluable.

Why did you choose to work with our faculty?
Our research interests align closely. While my background in occupational therapy focuses on treatment, my current work emphasizes social inclusion in public settings like museums which extends beyond traditional occupational therapy practice. The collaboration has exceeded my expectations, blending my approach with the faculty’s expertise to create meaningful outcomes.

What are your impressions of the Czech Republic and Masaryk University?
I am still learning Czech, and living here has been a wonderful experience. My family and I have found the atmosphere incredibly supportive and welcoming. The researchers and students I’ve met have been fantastic, and we’ve come to deeply appreciate Czech culture. To be honest, we may not want to leave!

What has surprised you the most during your time here?
I’ve been amazed by how international Masaryk University is and how cutting-edge its programs are. Before coming here, I had heard more about Charles University as the largest Czech institution, but Masaryk University has impressed me with its innovative programs, especially those supporting students with disabilities. This focus resonates strongly with my research and goals. My ultimate aim is to continue collaborating with this university and to foster opportunities for Czech scholars to visit my home institution in the U.S.

How are you adjusting to life in the Czech Republic?
I’m from Illinois in the Midwest, so the climate here is quite similar, which has made the transition easier. We’re especially looking forward to celebrating both Czech and American Christmas traditions this year, which promises to be a unique and memorable experience.