Accommodations for people with disabilities vary by country and city. If you're registered with Disability Resources and eligible for on-campus accommodation, work with Disability Resources and Study Abroad early in the process to explore locations that may offer accommodations based on your needs.
Advisors as Your Resource
Planing ahead is important, especially if you have a disability. Communicate your needs early and explore options to support them while abroad. Talk to your academic advisor, study abroad coordinator, and the UMD Office of Disability Resources about any concerns regarding your disability before studying in a new country.
Accessibility Overseas
Before going abroad, identify your needs, explore alternative ways to meet them, and research reasonable accommodations.
- You are encouraged to contact Mobility International for assistance in finding programs and overseas support services.
- We also encourage students to visit the University of Minnesota’s Access Abroad page for more information and assistance.
- Additional information may be found at UMD’s Disability Resources website.
- Review Diversity Abroad's website with a guide for Diversity and Inclusion Abroad
- This video was developed by the UMN Global Programs and Strategy Alliance and offers information for Students with Disabilities Studying Abroad.
Quick Tips
- Inform program staff about your needs early so they can work to arrange appropriate accommodations in advance.
- Be aware that disability access may differ in other countries. Research typical accommodations in your host country and be prepared to adapt to different approaches.
- Find out as much as you can before you go. Learn about your host culture and how they view disability. Talk to other students and attend pre-departure orientation sessions.
- Prepare how you'll discuss your disability in the language of your host country. Learn key vocabulary in advance.
Other things to consider when choosing a host country
- What are the physical environments like?
- Is learning mainly from lecture, readings, independent research, etc.?
- What housing options exist?
- Do you need to do your own cooking? Laundry?
- Is transportation available and accessible?
Additional resources at UMD:
Office of Disability Resources
258 Kirby Student Center
1120 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-6130
They serve any student with a documented disability who needs to arrange academic accommodations for their classes. They also work with students who may have not yet been diagnosed and are in need of more support or resources.