Disabilities & Neurodiversity

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ encouragesÌýall students to consider studying abroad. Whether you have a physical, learning, sensory, mental health, or chronic health condition, we believe in your right to explore the world - with the support and preparation you need to succeed.

TheÌýDisability Services OfficeÌýat CU is your first stop. They’ll collaborate with you and Education Abroad to determine what accommodations are possible based on your program and destination. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit the Disability Services website.Ìý

  • Talk with your Program Manager and Disability Services about your needs
  • Share any accommodation requests as soon as possible, ideally right after program acceptance
  • Explore how disability access looks in your host country - services and norms may differ
  • Be flexible, open to alternatives, and ask questions early and often
  • Prepare to get enough medications you may be taking well ahead of time and have enough for the entirety of your time abroad.
  • Learn key phrases about your condition in the host country’s language, especially if you might need medical or emotional support.
  • a CU resource for services and information
  • byÌýGo Overseas
  • :ÌýThis website, advocating disability civil rights,Ìýprovides a list of international disability laws by country.
  • Mobility International USA (MIUSA) aspires to empower people with disabilities through international exchange, information, technical assistance and training, to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in international exchange and development programs.
  • a comprehensive one-stop resource for people with disabilities, exchange and disability staff interested in study, work, intern, volunteer, research or teach abroad programs.
  • - Students with disabilities abroad
  • tips.
  • UK's Guidance onÌý
  • : This is the United Nations' disabilities branch, focusing on promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
  • Ìý(Amandla means ‘empowerment’ in the tribal languages of both Zulu and Xhosa)ÌýA fully funded leadership and exchange experience in South Africa for disabled students.Ìý
  • -ÌýAvailable for students with disability-related expenses (IES programs only).


Student Stories and Advice

  • Ìýby Nikki Kraska
  • ÌýMaiya Schroeder reflects on how to prepare for her physical disability before going abroad.
  • YouTube video by Hannah Hinze
  • byÌýElisabet Raquel García
  • byÌýMatthew Kepnes

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge andÌý, whose materials we refer to on this site.

"Admittedly, I did not know if it would be possible to go abroad as someone with a disability at first, but I advocated for myself and asked questions despite the beliefs of others thinking that I could not go abroad I participated in excursions that I never thought of doing before and saw the power of language and cultureâ€

— Education Abroad Participant (San Jose, Costa Rica)

ÌýÌýNew Zealand by Alida Kress

Education Abroad is committed to supporting students with a wide range of lived experiences and providing meaningful, inclusive international opportunities for all. If you have questions or would like to talk through your needs, please contact our office atÌýabroad@colorado.edu.

Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or Education Abroad. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ Education Abroad is not an agent for these organizations.