Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities

The University of West Florida is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities throughout their educational journey and encourages students to consider the enriching experience of studying abroad. However, just as cultures differ, so do the levels of accessibility and availability of disability services in various countries and communities which students may want to explore. Not every destination may offer the same level of accessibility.

To ensure the best possible experience, it's important for students to start planning accommodations at least six months to a year before the intended program, regardless of the student's specific needs. Early notification and thorough planning are key to a successful study abroad experience. Both Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) and the UWF Study Abroad Office are here to support students throughout the study abroad journey, from preparation to time abroad.

Student Responsibilities

• Research programs and see what best fit all your needs. See below for more questions to consider when comparing programs.
• Recognize that accommodation planning takes extra preparation time. This is particularly true if accommodations include any of the following:
  • Sign language
  • Captioning
  • Conversion of print to audio or Braille
  • Mobility considerations
  • Accessible transportation 
  • Housing accommodations

• Create a realistic budget for study abroad expenses including personal expenses associated with disability-related needs (e.g., personal attendant services, specialized equipment, adaptive technology, medication or other healthcare costs)
• Contact the SAR office (850.474.2387/sar@uwf.edu) to request assistance establishing accommodations for Study Abroad  

Some questions for students to consider when researching and planning include:

• What accommodations do I currently receive at UWF and will I need/want all of them when I am abroad?  Am I comfortable if only some of my accommodations are met?
• What study abroad programs best meet my academic, professional, and personal goals?
• What new skills do I want to gain abroad?
• How will my disability be perceived in the countries that most interest me?  What terminology might be used when talking about disability in that country?
• How will I feel if my accommodations cannot be met in my desired country?  Am I willing to consider other locations that may be a better fit?
• Will I share my invisible disability with people in my host country or fellow participants?
• Can I legally bring in my medication to last through the entire experience?
• Do I currently work with a healthcare provider or have ongoing/regular appointments and will I be able to do so while I am abroad?
• How will my experiences navigating my disability in the U.S. help me adjust to my host country?

Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) Responsibilities

• Assist the student and the UWF study abroad office in evaluating the accessibility of the program.
• Determine appropriate accommodations for the selected programs in consultation with the student, the UWF study abroad office, faculty, and the host institution.
• Consult with the host institution to help coordinate reasonable accommodations needed to create an accessible study abroad experience.

UWF Study Abroad Responsibilities

• Provide information and resources about the accessibility of study abroad programs.
• Consult with SAR staff to obtain answers or feedback for any disability-related questions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between UWF faculty and the host institution regarding course content and the transfer of credits to UWF.
• Serve as a liaison, when needed, between the SAR office and the host institution in the coordination of reasonable accommodations for the study abroad experience. 

UWF Faculty and/or Host Institution Responsibilities

• Identify essential program standards for the study abroad program.
• Assist in identifying reasonable accommodations and resolving access concerns that allow full access to the extent possible without fundamentally altering the essential requirements of the program.
• Determine whether the student will be able to meet the program standards with or without the accommodations that can be provided in that country or experience.
• Assist with in-country problem-solving for unanticipated concerns.