The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) is proud to announce that Associate Director Dr. Megan Kunze has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program award by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Dr. Kunze will complete a project at Together and Healthy Public Union (NGO) in Azerbaijan, where she will share her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis and autism intervention to strengthen autism care systems and professional development in the region.
Dr. Kunze is one of over 400 U.S. citizens selected annually for the Fulbright Specialist Program, chosen on the basis of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership, and potential to foster long-term international cooperation. Recipients of Fulbright Specialist awards are selected for their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Autism Care
Together and Healthy Public Union seeks to address significant challenges in autism care in Azerbaijan by implementing successful intervention models and comprehensive, science-based services. The Union's Autism Centers provide essential support, and more structured programs are needed to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism.
A key focus of Dr. Kunze's work during her time in Azerbaijan is enhancing professional development for educators and therapists in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology, a well-researched framework that can significantly improve the quality of care for individuals with autism. By strengthening the skills of local professionals, Dr. Kunze's project aims to create sustainable, high-quality intervention systems that will benefit the autism community.
Building Capacity Through Family Involvement and Social Inclusion
The Union aims to increase family involvement in the intervention process, ensuring that parents are equipped to support their children effectively. Recognizing families as essential partners in achieving positive outcomes is central to the project's approach.
The Union is also committed to promoting social inclusion and employment for adults with autism, addressing the high unemployment rate within this community. Through this partnership, Together and Healthy Public Union aims to develop pathways that support adults with autism in achieving greater independence and community participation.
The Fulbright Specialist Program
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide.
Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has given more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbrighters address critical global issues in all disciplines, while building relationships, knowledge, and leadership in support of the long-term interests of the United States. Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in many fields, including 60 who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 88 who have received Pulitzer Prizes, and 39 who have served as a head of state or government.
Expanding CBIRT's Global Impact
Through the Fulbright Specialist Program, Dr. Kunze will complete a project that aims to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities both in the U.S. and overseas through a variety of educational and training activities within education.
As CBIRT continues to expand its reach and impact, Dr. Kunze's work in Azerbaijan exemplifies the Center's commitment to advancing evidence-based interventions and building capacity across diverse communities worldwide. We look forward to sharing updates on this important project and celebrating the meaningful change it will create for individuals with autism and their families in Azerbaijan.