Mert Özer from Türkiye and Ann Ford from New Jersey are halfway through their year together as AFS exchange student and host mother. Living in a home with two very active dogs, they share an appreciation for music.

From afar, they may seem like a unique pair. Mert is blind and Ann was born with a hearing impairment. But this has not stopped them from forming a close relationship. 

Tune in to hear about Mert’s experience in New Jersey, and the new experiences he has had on his AFS program- including dancing, living with dogs, and attending shows at Madison Square Garden!

Mert is a participant on the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES Program) which partners with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) to support exchange students living with disabilities. 

Guests:
Mert Özer
Ann Ford

YES Program: www.yesprograms.org
MIUSA: www.miusa.org
Host with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/host
Volunteer with AFS-USA: www.afsusa.org/volunteer
Contact us: [email protected]