Getting Involved

Disability-Related Accommodations While Abroad

A group of people standing together on a path surrounded by tall bamboo stalks and natural scenery.

What Students Should Know

Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) is committed to helping disabled students participate fully in education abroad experiences. The University of Michigan wants you to feel informed, supported, and empowered as you explore your options. You may already have strategies in place for managing your disability on campus. However, your experience abroad may be quite different depending on your host country’s cultural attitudes, infrastructure, and legal protections.

It’s important to research the location where you’ll be studying to understand how your disability and accommodation needs may be affected. While accessibility abroad can differ from what you’re used to at U-M, staff within SAAS and our various Education Abroad offices are here to support your decision-making. We are here to help you gather accurate information and explore realistic options so you may ultimately make informed decisions that align with your goals and needs.

Understanding Disability in a Global Context

  • In the U.S., disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits a major life activity, such as walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, or caring for oneself. Accommodations in the U.S. are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not extend to travel abroad; foreign institutions are not bound by it. Because of these limitations, U-M-approved accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
  • Living in a different country with immersion in a new culture can bring challenges, including disability services and accessibility standards that may differ from those in the U.S.
  • The likelihood of being able to use accommodations abroad may depend on how much control U-M has over various aspects of the experience, such as academics, transportation, and housing.

How to Get Started Exploring Accessibility Needs Abroad

Planning for accessibility abroad takes time and proactive communication. Here’s how to begin:

Step 1: Review Program Options

  • Review program options either independently or with an education abroad advisor, such as those in M-Compass, and research general country information/attitudes around disabilities. Students can meet with education abroad advisors before or after applying for a program.
  • Check the application and commitment deadlines and ensure that the program can meet your needs before confirming your participation. 
  • Review THINKING THROUGH TRAVELING ABROAD: Questions for Students with Disabilities to Consider

Step 2: Connect with SSD

See the flowchart below to determine the best next step depending on your own individual circumstances. 

Flowchart titled “Education Abroad” from the University of Michigan’s Services for Students with Disabilities. The chart is divided into two main paths: Already Connected with SSD: For students with academic accommodations only: Student has academic accommodations only. Email assigned coordinator for Accommodation Certification Letter. Provide Accommodation Certification Letter to Education Abroad Program. For students needing support beyond standard academic accommodations: Student has needs which require support beyond their standard academic accommodations. Schedule meeting with assigned coordinator to discuss international accommodation needs. Provide Accommodation Certification Letter to Education Abroad Program. Not Connected with SSD: Complete SSD’s Get Connected Information Form on website. Check email for SSD Welcome Letter with assigned coordinator. Schedule meeting with assigned coordinator to discuss access needs at UM and abroad. Establish SSD accommodations. Submit semester request in Accommodate to use accommodations at UM. Provide Accommodation Certification Letter to Education Abroad Program. The diagram includes University of Michigan branding and emphasizes steps for students to receive accommodations for education abroad programs.

Step 3: Meet with the Education Abroad Advisor

  • Students should schedule an appointment with their education abroad advisor/the office sponsoring the program in M-Compass to share their accommodation letter and discuss any disability-related concerns. 
  • Note: To determine whether your requested disability-related accommodations can be applied, you will need to contact your host institution. There are three ways to connect with your host institution:
    • Request that your Education Abroad Advisor reach out on your behalf.
    • Have your Education Abroad Advisor connect you directly via an introductory email.
    • Have your Education Abroad Advisor provide you with direct contact information for the host institution or program leader.

For Students: Resources to Consider

For Education Abroad Advisors/Host Institutions: Resources