Access Abroad
Access Abroad is a collaborative effort at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ between the Office of International Affairs and Aubrey & Annie Looney Disability Support Services. This partnership facilitates equal access for students seeking to pursue an education abroad experience and to provide information on accessibility at overseas sites.
Students with disabilities can go abroad; ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ encourages the participation of students with disabilities! Going abroad on an organized program where there is education abroad staff or faculty, and other exchange students around, can be a big comfort in knowing you don’t have to figure out tough situations that come up abroad alone.
Education abroad is one of the greatest experiences available to you and ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ's Education Abroad staff can help you identify programs that are best for you. We can provide information about possible accommodations and their approximate cost. Though we cannot guarantee accessibility at all locations, we can advise students if a particular site appears to be inaccessible and we can recommend an alternate site, if needed.
NEVER let your disability discourage you from pursuing an education abroad program; earn academic credit, expand your cultural competence, and become more self-aware. The Office of International Affairs and Aubrey & Annie Looney Disability Support Services are here to guide you!
Students with disabilities can and do participate in all education abroad programs at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ! Just as cultures differ, so do disability accommodations and perceptions abroad. Aubrey & Annie Looney Disability Support Services (DSS) and the Office of International Affairs are here to assist you before and during your program abroad. DSS and the OIA are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for any program without fundamentally altering any component of the education abroad program and student experience!
1. PLAN & DISCLOSE early, at least one year in advance of your intended Education Abroad date - and communicate with advisors at Aubrey & Annie Looney Disability Support Services (DSS) and the Education Abroad Office. The key for any education abroad participant is flexibility and you need to do your homework beforehand. Whether this be a permanent or temporary disability you are responsible for ensuring that the Aubrey & Annie Looney Disability Support Services (DSS) is aware of your disabilities and that you are providing DSS with appropriate documentation. Click HERE to register with DSS, if you are not already. Even if you are not sure you will need accommodations abroad, it is still important to make potential needs known so that a plan is in place should an unexpected issue arise. If you disclose needs at the last minute, there may be a delay in discussed accommodations. If you require accommodations that are not available in the host country, you may be advised to postpone participation and seek out other programs.
2. GATHER information from your departmental academic advisor as soon as possible. Discuss how Education Abroad can fit with your academic program. Visit the study abroad coordinator in Powers Hall to learn about your global learning options.
3. RESEARCH & IDENTIFY various Education Abroad Program options. Consider the connections to your educational and personal goals as well as the requirements for acceptance to an Education Abroad Program. Learn what types of accommodations are possible in your host country, and be flexible and open to different ways of accommodating your disability. Many disability services that are provided on a ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s campus may not be available overseas. For example, some countries don't offer note-taker services or may not recognize learning disabilities. It is best for you to identify several programs that meet your academic interests, since different program locations will have different types or levels of accessibility. It is important that you do your research and keep in mind that disability laws are different in each country.
4. ATTEND the fall ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Education Abroad Fair and other related events to speak with faculty, staff, and previous student participants about their programs.
5. COMPILE information on each program relating to your individual needs (e.g. arranged and public transportation, housing, alternative test taking, course requirements, etc.). Keep in mind that other countries have their own regulations concerning accommodations and are not obligated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. From there narrow down your options.
6. DEVELOP a budget and a financial plan for accomplishing your goal. If you require a personal care attendant, keep in mind that it will be your responsibility to make such arrangements. There will likely be a significant cost to you for any personal care assistance, so plan ahead to ensure that you can afford the necessary arrangements well in advance of your program.
7. APPLY After narrowing down choices, making a plan for needed accommodations, and a budget, you are then ready to apply officially. Visit the Global Learning page to find the applications!
Questions to Ask as You Prepare for Your Education Abroad Program
Processing Disabilities (LD, ADHD, Psychological, Brain Injuries):
- Will you need audio recordings for lectures?
- What are your host university’s policies on extended exam time?
- Is the host university willing to authorize your usual test accommodations based on American medical documentation?
- What tutoring services might be available and at what cost?
- If you need to see a doctor or therapist for psychological health while abroad, can you establish this contact before departure?
- Have you considere