College Students with Disabilities and Study abroad: Implications for International Education Staff

Abstract

Students with disabilities are underrepresented in study abroad. This article outlines five concepts that are important when seeking to include students with disabilities in study abroad—individualization, barriers and accommodations, disability spread, inclusion, and collaboration. The article addresses frequently asked questions about disability issues and presents two vignettes of students with disabilities interested in study abroad. It is emphasized that students with disabilities are, first and foremost, students. As significant as a student’s disability may appear to be, it often has relatively little significance to study abroad. If international educators are to be successful in serving students with disabilities, they must work closely with others, especially disability services staff.