Guidelines for Students with Disabilities Studying Abroad:

• Disclose your disability-related accommodation needs to program staff soon after you have been accepted into a program so appropriate arrangements can be addressed in advance.
• Remember that other cultures may provide disability access in a different way. Learn about what types of accommodations are provided in your host country, and be open to different ways of accommodating your disability.
• Be flexible with your country or program selections due to the potential lack of accommodation services. Have some backup programs in mind.
• Find out as much as you can in advance about your host culture and how they view disability by reading, talking to other students, and attending pre-departure orientation sessions. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to interact in the new environment.
• Think about how you will answer questions about your disability in the language of your host country. Look up key vocabulary words ahead of time.

Resources for Study Abroad Students with Disabilities:

Mobility International USA
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) aspires to empower people with disabilities through international exchange, information, technical assistance and training to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in international exchange and development programs.

Access Abroad
Access Abroad, a federally funded project, seeks to enhance existing study abroad opportunities for students with disabilities. This is currently the most comprehensive resource for students with disabilities and study abroad.

Cal Poly Study Abroad Office

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

Disability Statement for Study Abroad:

Cal Poly will attempt to arrange reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, although it is important to note that countries and educational institutions differ in their infrastructure and ability to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Certain sites are better equipped to assist students with disabilities, and we recommend speaking to a Study Abroad Advisor or Program Supervisor early on in the application process about any and all needs for accommodation.