ACCESSIBILITY AWAY
The key to a successful study away experience is advance planning, as attitudes, accessibility, and accommodations may vary at different program sites. We strongly recommend that you begin planning your study away experience well in advance.
Early in the planning phase, schedule a 1:1 advising meeting with an Exchange and Study Away advisor to determine the program(s) that best fit your individual needs. In addition to assisting with program selection, ESA staff will work with the Center for the Student Experience and coordinate with the program provider or host institution directly to help arrange for appropriate accommodations, and can help verify the resources you will have access to during your time away.
It is very important that accommodations are arranged ahead of time, as prior approval may be necessary at some institutions, and it may be too late to set up accommodations upon arrival in the selected country. Not all accommodations existing at ArtCenter will be available while away, and certain staples typical to U.S. lodging or education may not be automatically available.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Disclosure of a disability prior to submitting an application is completely optional and does not preclude you from being accepted to a study away program. Disclosure of a disability allows ArtCenter staff to work with you to identify the best program(s) to meet your needs and goals for the term away. Information provided will not be shared with partner organizations, to include local host institutions, until after you have been accepted into the program, and only as needed. ArtCenter will seek to provide you with a comprehensive picture of the on-site environment, so as to set appropriate expectations, and to allow you to make informed decisions regarding program participation.
Things to Consider
There are many different factors for you to consider when choosing a study away program. We encourage you to think seriously about program selection to ensure that your academic and personal goals are met and to have a positive experience. Below are some potential special considerations related to disability accommodations while studying away.
Culture Surrounding Disabilities in Your Host Community
Your disability may intersect with your host culture in unexpected ways. It is important to research your host culture before you go, discuss customs with locals with whom you will interact regularly, and be open to creative solutions. Take into consideration all facets of a culture, including possible ableism and discrimination.Mental Health Away
If you are a student with mental health needs or a student concerned with the implications that participating in a study away program might have on your mental health, please know that you are not alone and that you have support both before you go and while you are away. Living and learning in a different physical and social environment places additional demands on one’s mind and body. The emotional effects of confronting a new lifestyle can arouse anxiousness, bewilderment, and discouragement. As a result, you may experience stress while traveling abroad. If you are currently seeing a mental health professional, it is important to connect with the Exchange and Study Away office early on make arrangements for continuation of care while you are away. Taking proper care of yourself through rest, relaxation, and activities such as reading and exercise, will help you be more capable of making a healthy adjustment to your surroundings, but know that we are here for you if you find it at all difficult to adjust on your own.Identity Away
Learning how to explain your disability in the local language can be helpful in both understanding how your disability is perceived, and ensuring locals are aware of your needs. Methods of overcoming discrimination abroad can be similar to the methods you use at home. Finding new support groups and adjusting to a new comfort zone are important to having a fulfilling education abroad experience.Housing
Upon confirming your participation in your study away program, you will be invited to complete a health form and a housing questionnaire. The Exchange and Study Away office, in collaboration with the Center for the Student Experience, uses your responses in these forms to determine your accommodation needs. You are responsible for making your needs known in a timely fashion prior to departure and for providing current documentation of your disability. We will work with you to secure reasonable accommodations, however ArtCenter can not guarantee or promise that all accommodations can be provided while studying away from campus. Note: You are required to live in established program housing when it is provided by ArtCenter or your host institution. Housing provided by ArtCenter almost always includes common areas shared with other program participants, and shared bedrooms are also common. If you are concerned about sharing living or sleeping space with fellow program participants due to accommodation needs, please contact us to learn more about your options. The college finds housing partners and accommodations with consideration for cost, health, safety, security, and educational needs of the students and specific study away program.Onsite Services and Considerations
Some disability services that are provided at US universities may not be overseas but you’ll find that on-site staff have experience working with students of all backgrounds and identities. Here are some specific instances to keep in mind:- Electricity for equipment or recharging batteries often requires adapters.
- Learning disabilities may not be recognized in some countries.
- Sign language interpreters may not be certified or available at all times, and interpreting will generally be in the sign language of the country rather than ASL.
- Some countries quarantine guide dogs before they are allowed into the country.
- Bring mobility aids to use in restrooms without bars or on long train platforms.
- Carry extra spare parts or differing types of casters for a wheelchair.
- Look into what accommodations and disability services are available through the institutions, cities, and countries you’re considering.
Helpful Resources
ArtCenter Resources
Center for Student Experience:
The Exchange and Study Away office works closely with the Center for the Student Experience to evaluate and support accommodations away. Email them to set up an appointment. ArtCenter’s counseling services are available to you before, during, and after your time away. If you are in need of support, use the link above to schedule an appointment.General Resources
Provides information on education and travel abroad for people with disabilities. Includes extensive links to related organizations worldwide and to providers of travel services for people with disabilities.Diversity Abroad's Students with Disabilities Abroad Guide:
A comprehensive resource from DiversityAbroad.com that focuses on specific topics related to navigating disability and accommodation needs abroad. Diversity Abroad also offers resources for students with questions about mental health abroad. Focuses on specific topics related to navigating disability and accommodation needs abroad. Diversity Abroad also offers resources for students with questions about mental health abroad Provides tips for students with disabilities for selecting a program, preparing to go, and living abroad.Disability Travel and Recreation Resources:
Provides information about travel planning, destinations, transportation, air travel, camps for children, and books.Disability Travel and Transitions Abroad:
Stories abroad by travelers with disabilities.Dealing with Depression Abroad:
Tips for recognizing and managing depression during study away.How Students with Disabilities Can Study Abroad:
By Lisa Saltagi—A great resource with tips on how to study abroad for students who have a disability. An article including first person accounts and advice for managing mental health in new environments. Tips for traveling with panic disorder and anxiety. Resources on going abroad with a disability. The University of Minnesota study abroad website has some great information for their students with disabilities. The site provides information on how accommodations might differ abroad, medical and prescription needs, coping strategies, and tips from students who studied abroad with disabilities. A website offering advice for travelers with disabilities including your rights when traveling by air, assistance and accommodations, service animals, and other useful links.