API is dedicated to providing international education opportunities to students with disabilities. We strongly recommend that students with disabilities begin the process of planning their study abroad experience one year in advance, including meeting with the disabilities services and study abroad office at their home institution prior to submitting your application. Early planning provides the time required to identify the program that best suits your particular interests and needs and allows us and our partners to work with you to prepare a detailed accommodations plan. Below are some resources we hope you’ll find helpful as you begin planning for your time abroad!
API recommends that students with disabilities complete the OPTIONAL Student Inquiry Survey prior to submission of an application, and return to Carolyn Lutes, Senior Director of Student Services & Admissions.
Please note: Disclosure of a disability prior to submitting an application is completely optional and does not preclude students from being accepted to an API program. Disclosure of a disability allows API staff to work with students to identify the best program(s) to meet each student’s needs and goals for the term abroad. Information provided on this form will not be shared with API partners abroad, to include local host institutions, until after the student has been accepted into the API program, and only as needed. API will seek to provide students with special needs a comprehensive picture of the on-site environment, so as to set appropriate expectations, and to allow students to make informed decisions regarding program participation.
API will provide advice to students using our knowledge of the dynamics on-site:
1) The accessibility of housing, transportation, and university buildings (for students with mobility limitations)
2) The availability of medical facilities and health professionals (for students with mental health or medical concerns)
3) Academic policies (for students with learning disabilities)
4) Cultural perceptions and behaviors.
As conditions exist abroad that may be beyond the control of API and its partners (e.g., some host countries have no legislation akin to the American with Disabilities Act that mandates the accessibility of governmental buildings, public transportation, sidewalks, academic institutions, and lodging for individuals with disabilities), certain sites may not be ideal for all students. API will work closely with students to identify alternate locations that can provide similar academic and cultural learning opportunities if the originally requested location cannot offer adequate accommodations.
TIPS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (excerpted from DiversityAbroad.com):
- Talk with other students with disabilities and learn about their experiences abroad.
- Let your counselor or program director know about your disability, if you are comfortable doing so, so that as many accommodations as possible can be made.
- Keep in mind that places abroad may not be as accessible as you are used to.
- Remember that people with disabilities may be treated differently than you are accustomed to. Research before you go so you have some idea of what to expect.
- Be flexible and think creatively about how you can accommodate your disability abroad.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Mobility International - A non-profit organization advocating for the disabled and helping students with disabilities realize their study abroad goals.
National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange - Offers free services and helpful resources for planning your education abroad experience.
Pre-Departure Recommendations for Disabled Students Abroad - Information to assist students from all backgrounds with their study abroad plans.
University of Minnesota’s “Access Abroad” - Offers helpful information and tips regarding accessibility overseas.
U.S. State Department - Provides country reports including information regarding disability policies in your prospective host country.
Ultimate Guide to Air Travel with a Disability - A resource that gives information about traveler rights, tips for navigating the airport and airplane with a disability, and more.
“Making it Happen” - A University of Pittsburgh video focusing on students with disabilities abroad.
EduBirdie - offers a number of resources of scholarships for students with varying disabilities, including ADHD, hearing impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning and cognitive learning needs, speech disorders, visual impairment, physical disabilities and more.