Disability and Access

Disability and Access

Making UT Austin Accessible and Welcoming for Students with Disabilities

Study Abroad Access and Accommodations

Students with Disabilities and Study Abroad

 Studying abroad is an exciting experience that can enrich and expand every student’s university experience. Students with disabilities are encouraged to study abroad and should select programs that match their academic needs and expectations. Planning in advance is key to ensuring your study abroad program will be accessible and enriching.

It is important to remember that many of the laws, services and accommodations that are available in the United States may not exist when you travel to other countries. Doing your research and planning ahead will help you know what to expect and how you can best prepare to ensure you have a great study abroad experience.

Below are some areas to consider when planning to study abroad. Use these suggestions as a starting point and be sure to think through other areas that may be unique to you or your disability that may require planning to set up a successful study abroad experience. We also recommend reviewing the My Health Abroad document created by the Texas Global to help you plan for your trip.

Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are an important part of ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to the information taught in class. Students should talk with their Study Abroad advisor and/or their host university to better understand the process to request academic accommodations during their abroad experience.

When selecting or preparing for a study abroad program consider the following questions related to the academic component of the experience:

  • What is the typical course load for students in this program? What type of material is typically used to teach the course(s)?
  • What is the teaching format used in these classes? How do students access class materials (i.e. book format, electronic)?

The process for setting up and requesting academic accommodations will vary depending on the type of study abroad program.

UT Study Abroad Programs

Third Party Host Universities, Direct Enrollment or International Exchange Programs

  • What documentation or information does this program require? How are academic accommodations typically delivered at this university? How is the system of higher education different from the one in the US? Is there an office dedicated to helping students request academic accommodations? Is there a typical course load required at this university for students in study abroad programs?
  • Students who are registered with Disability and Access at UT can contact their Disabilities Services Coordinator to discuss how to request proof of accommodations provided by UT Austin to provide to their host university.

Medication and Medical Supplies

Different countries have different laws and regulations related to medication so it is important to do your research ahead of time so you and your provider can plan accordingly. You do not want to end up in a different country without your medication! Access to medical supplies may be different than in the US so planning ahead is important so you can bring what you need, including extra supplies, replacement parts or batteries if needed.

  • Medication: are there any restrictions on the medication you can bring into the country? Are there any requirements regarding amounts or labeling of medication (for example, must it be in the original bottle/container and should you bring your prescription with you)? Will it be possible for you to get refills or replace the medication if it gets lost?
  • Medical supplies: are there any considerations regarding transporting or storing your medical supplies (refrigeration, batteries,  size, etc.)? If your supplies require electricity, ensure the country where you will be traveling will be compatible with electrical outlets or power requirements. If batteries are needed, explore whether you need to bring extra or if those could be purchased in country. Learn about what support will be available if parts break or need replaced.

Mobility Accommodations

  • If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device or have other mobility concerns (i.e. chronic fatigue syndrome and/or related conditions), there are a few areas that can be helpful to consider in advance:
    • Transportation – what will transportation options be to the country? What are the most common types of transportation in the country? Are these common modes of transportation accessible and readily available in the places you will need to travel?
    • Housing – what form of housing is used for participants in the program? Are you allowed/required to provide your own housing for the length of your stay or on school sponsored trips? Will there be additional trips/home stays or changes in location that would require staying in different housing? Will your program require a daily commute to and from your housing and academic facilities?
    • Activity Level – Will this program require daily excursions and/or long days of travel without breaks? Will there be hiking or traveling in mountainous or other precarious terrain?
  • To answer these questions and others you might have, start your research well in advance of your trip, many study abroad programs and advocacy organizations recommend starting a year in advance.
  • Discuss your concerns and questions with your UT Study Abroad advisor or your contact at your host university.

Sensory Disabilities:

  • Students who are blind/low vision, Deaf or have other sensory concerns should consider a few areas in advance of their trip:
    • Transportation – what are common transportation options in the host country? Do public transit options have accessibility features that could make them easier to navigate?
    • Housing – what form of housing is used for participants in the program? Are you allowed/required to provide your own housing for the length of your stay or on school sponsored trips? Will there be additional trips/home stays or changes in location that would require staying in different housing? Will your program require a daily commute to and from your housing and academic facilities?
    • Technology: what type of technology do you use on a regular basis? Will this same technology be available in country or will you be bringing your own technology?
    • Field Trips/Activities – will there be trips to museums, outdoor excursions or other cultural events where you may need accommodations?
  • If you have questions about how to use accommodations for sensory disabilities while abroad, contact your UT Study Abroad advisor or your contact at your host university to discuss further.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

  • Service animals and emotional support animals play an important role in the lives of students with disabilities however the access for service dogs and emotional support animals may be different in the country(ies) where you will be traveling. Bringing service animals or emotional support animals can be a lengthy and complicated process, depending on the laws of the host country. If you are considering bringing an animal abroad there are several areas to consider in advance:
    • Access: Does the country(ies) where you will be traveling acknowledge the rights of people to be accompanied by a service dog or emotional support animal? Make sure you are familiar with the laws related to service dogs and/or emotional support animals.
    • Transportation – Will there be a quarantine period for your animal in the host country? What records are required about your animal’s health and vaccinations? Will local methods of transportation allow for service animals or emotional support animals to be served?
    • Housing – Will the housing provided allow for service animals/ESA’s? Will you stay in other housing such as home stays or hotels that might have different policies than your primary housing?
    • Animal Care – Are there local vets that can provide routine and emergency care for your animal? Will your animal be exposed to feral or wild animals? Will you be able to find and provide consistent food that your animal is accustomed to? Will there be other factors that could endanger your animal’s health?

Dietary Restrictions

  • Food is an exciting and important part of experiencing a new culture. Ensuring students are able to experience this aspect of culture while also being able to eat a variety of foods that are safe and allergen free is an important consideration. Here are some areas to consider before studying abroad:
    • Transportation- will airlines be able to accommodate for dietary restrictions?
    • Housing – will students have access to a kitchen or food preparation equipment or will you buy the majority of your meals? Will the host university have menus or have ingredient information posted or available in cafeterias or restaurants?
    • Cultural and/or regional food preparation traditions – does the cuisine in the host country commonly use nuts/shellfish/gluten/dairy or other common allergens?
    • Medical Resources – what medical attention will you require if exposed to an allergen? Will you require routine care from a medical professional or allergist while in the host country?
  • If you have questions about how to manage dietary restrictions while abroad, contact your UT Study Abroad advisor or your contact at your host university to discuss further.

FAQ’S

  • How can I provide my host institution a copy of the accommodations I receive at UT?
    • If you are registered with D&A, you should reach out to your Disabilities Services Coordinator and let them know you are planning to study abroad and discuss the documentation you need to submit to your host university/third party provider.
  • When should I tell my study abroad program/host university I have a disability?
    • Early disclosure can allow university staff and faculty better advise you as you navigate the study abroad process. It is also important to research possible programs and accommodations you may want to use while abroad to make an informed choice. It is important to consider what accommodations will be provided by the program/university to understand when disclosure would be helpful.
  • How can I fund my time abroad?

Resources