Students with Disabilities

Overview

Across the globe, disability accommodations and perceptions can change, just like culture. The key for any study abroad participant is flexibility, perseverance and open mindedness; and the best resource is support. Students are encouraged to communicate their needs and consider alternative ways to meet them. The Education Abroad team and UM Office for Disability Equity are here to assist you before and during your education abroad!

We encourage you to discuss these topics with your advisers on campus and previous study abroad program participants. Additionally, we invite you to also explore the following resources and insightful stories below.

Things to Consider

As you start the journey of preparing for education abroad, there are key things you should consider:

Explore disability accommodations in host country
Research how your host country perceives physical mobility and/or invisible or non-apparent disabilities
Find if there are any laws or infrastructure in place at host country to help support people with disabilities
Consider what types of accommodations you might need to manage the disability
What coping strategies do you use here in the United States, and how could you apply or modify these strategies while abroad?
If you are unable to get the accommodations you need while abroad, can you adapt or create alternative means to still address and satisfy your needs?

Next Steps

As you prepare for your education abroad, communication will be key. Below are the following main steps to take for a successful immersion experience:

Reach out to the Education Abroad Coordinator to discuss any questions or concerns for meeting any accommodation requests while abroad
Complete am Information Release with the Education Abroad team that will allow for open, legal communication between UM's DSS and host institution international office, in order to discuss and finalize accommodation requests
Do personal research on host-country-specific laws, regulations and special programs