Ability Abroad

Students with disabilities can succeed on study abroad programs with ongoing support from Miami and international partners. Researching the climate for people with disabilities around the world is an important part of deciding where you will travel.  

  • Attitudes and laws surrounding physical mobility, mental illness, and many chronic conditions will vary depending on your destination and it is essential that you have an understanding of the disability rights in your host country. By disclosing your accommodation needs to your study abroad advisor during the application process, we will be able to tailor the study abroad advising process to address your needs and concerns.
  • You are encouraged to discuss your intentions of studying abroad with the Office of Disability Services which can provide assistance in the application/accommodation process.
  • While many study abroad programs do their best to accommodate students, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil law applicable to the United States, and it cannot be enforced outside of the United States.

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  • Think About

    • What kind of accommodations will I need abroad?
    • Will I disclose my condition to the Study Abroad Office or the host program?
    • What are the laws regarding accessibility in my host country?
    • What barriers might I encounter (both in planning to go abroad, and while abroad), and how will I overcome them?
    • How will the resources I have abroad differ from what I am accustomed to at Miami?
    • What housing and transportation options exist?
    • Is it possible for the program to accommodate my disability in the same way it would be accommodated on campus? If not, am I willing to make adjustments in order to participate in this particular program?

  • Before You Go

    • Talk to your ODS advisor about your particular needs and possible site-specific information pertaining to your disability.
    • Speak with other students with disabilities to learn about their experiences abroad.
    • Contact the Office of Disability Services to request an accommodation memo that can be shared with your study abroad advisor and your study abroad institution.
    • Reach out to your study abroad institution to learn about their process for requesting accommodations related to your disability.

  • Resources

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