Students with Disabilities
According to Open Doors, about 10.5 percent of all students who studied abroad in 2018/2019 reported some type of disability, which is an increase from previous years. One of the best things students with disabilities can do to make their study abroad experience a success is to disclose specific accommodation needs early in the planning process to either their disability services and/or study abroad advisor. This will help you in program selection and having not only the best adventure of your life, but also one where you will thrive!
Start discussing any potential accommodations, concerns, or questions that you may have with study abroad advisor during the initial program selection stage. Your advisor can work with you in exploring the various options available and finding the program that best meets your interests, goals, and needs. Specifically, your advisor can help research what resources and accommodations are available at a given study abroad program site.
While many of our partner campuses abroad are well equipped with the services needed to accommodate students with disabilities, it's essential important that both your team at Loyola as well as the host campus is aware of your needs. Due to cultural differences, the amount of services available may be more limited than in the United States
What resources are available at Loyola?
Your Loyola Study Abroad Advisor can help you find more information about the country you plan to go to and connect you with other Loyola students who have studied in that country before. Additionally, program evaluations available in the office are a good way to learn what former students have to say about your host country and what you may encounter abroad.
Student Accessibility Center supports, serves, and empowers students with disabilities. A representative from SAC will work closely with both you and your study abroad advisor during the study abroad process. It's essential that you contact the SAC to request an accommodation letter to be sent to your study abroad advisor, or directly to your program of interest, to confirm that the needed accommodations can be granted.
What are some additional resources I can utilize?
Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund is national civil rights law and policy center that provides information on the legal rights of disabled persons in a variety of countries.
IES Abroad offers disability resources to help prepare you and support you along the way.
Mobility International USA’s National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange offers travel tips, country accessibility information, student accounts, scholarship opportunities and program suggestions for students with disabilities.
Transitions Abroad posts resources for those who want to live, work, or volunteer abroad, including those will be living abroad with disabilities.
U.S. State Department posts information for mobility-impaired travelers by country.