Lessons Learned from a Disabilities Accessible Study Abroad Trip

• Published in: Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 81 - 86
• Main Authors: Twill, Sarah E, Guzzo, Gaetano R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association on Higher Education and Disability 2012
• Subjects: Academic Accommodations (Disabilities); Accessibility (for Disabled); Cross Cultural Training; Disabilities; Field Trips; Foreign Countries; Participant Satisfaction; Program Administration; Program Descriptions; Program Effectiveness; Reflection; Study Abroad; Summative Evaluation; Switzerland; Transcripts (Written Records); Switzerland

In the summer of 2009, a two-week study abroad program was specifically designed and executed to include students with disabilities. Recruitment efforts resulted in 11 student participants, six of who were identified as having a disability by the University's Office of Disability Services. Students participated in a two-course academic program; one course took place on campus prior to the actual study abroad experience and included academic content to prepare students for the follow-up course. The second course entailed a study abroad experience in Switzerland. This article describes the lessons learned.