About Italy...

Italy sits on Europe's southern border just across the Mediterranean sea from Africa.  Bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, it is a large 'boot-shaped' peninsula wrapped by the Adratic and Mediterranean seas.  The Appenine Mountains and Alps rise from its northern boundaries and it boasts of many islands including Sicily and Sardenia. 

Rome, Italy's present-day capital city, was the seat of the ancient Roman Empire which ruled much of Europe and north Africa in it's time.  The influence of the Roman empire is still seen and very much felt in those regions today, but extends beyond the continents of Europe and Africa in the form of art, architecture, government and more.  As great as the influence fo the Roman Empire has been on modern civilization, Italy's influence on the world does not stop there.  Leonardo Divinci, Michelangelo, and other great artists, writers, composers, scientists and philosopers have had a lasting impact on modern societies around the world. It is not at all surprising that Italy is home to the world's largest number of world heritage sites.

Disability Information

Legislation

During the 1950s and 1960s, Italy's general laws guaranteed public assistance to people with disabilities. By the end of the 1960s and through the 1970s, national legislation focused on the integration of persons with disabilities into Italy's school system and then the labor market. Removing architectural barriers and providing physical access to buildings became the priority in the 1980s. The Law of 1992 on Disability focused on training, employment, and volunteering.  More recent legislation is focusing on accessibility on the web. For more information, read:

The Republic of Italy's Progress Toward Fulfillment of the United Nations World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons.

The European Union's Employment, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities Information

Accessibility in General

Italy is a somewhat accessible country for people with disabilities. The main cities such as Rome and Florence have narrow and cracked sidewalks and it is not unusual for cars to park on them making it difficult for wheelchair users or those with mobility disabilities to navigate the sidewalks and streets.

While legislation guarantees accessibility without architectural barriers in many places, these laws are not always enforced. Some transportation, accommodations, attractions and tours are available for those with limited mobility or other disability-related needs, but availability may not be consistent throughout the country.

Disability Organizations

For a comprehensive list of organizations working in Italy, search MIUSA's Disability Organizations database.

Transportation & Accessibility

The site, Anglo Information, can provide information on transportation accessibility in Rome and Lazio

A personal web page by a wheelchair user also provides some invaluable information on accessibility travel for those with limited mobilities in Italy

Boats & Ferries

The boat companies operating between continental Italy and the Italian islands have made most of their boats accessible to people with disabilities. It is necessary to notify the company with the type of disability when booking the ticket in order to get specific assistance when going on board.

Cars and Buses

Most people with mobility disabilities traveling in Italy use automobile transportation for getting around. Many car rental agencies have accessible vehicles for rent at competitive prices. Public buses may be used but accessibility features are not universal on all buses throughout the country.

Trains and Rail System

The state railroad provides adapted facilities for travelers with disabilities (fully accessible compartments with space for two wheelchairs and two non-disabled companions). Other trains have reserved seats for people with disabilities.

There are also Welcome Centers (Centro di Accoglienza per persone disabili) that provide accommodating assistance at the station.

Education & Disability in Italy

Foreign students coming to an Italian Higher Education Institution  through a program or bilateral agreement can make use of all the services offered by the hosting institution. Disabled students with special needs who are not able to receive the services needed for free from the hosting institution can apply to the National Socrates Agency of their country to receive special funds from the European Commission.

According to the Law 17/99, universities appointed Delegates of Rectors for Disability to support and coordiante all the activities related to the integration of people with disabilities within the Italian University system. Some universities have opened a disability office to support the activities of the Delegate of the Rector. Some of the services offered include study support (sign language interpreter, communication facilitator, note taker, etc.), tutoring, and counseling and job placement.

Italian Higher Education for International Students

This website provides information on types of H. Ed. institutions (university and non-university sector), admission procedures, study programmes, university degrees, non-university H.Ed. qualifications (academic diplomas), tution language, student life and welfare services, country information, etc.

A Sample of Universities in Italy

American University of Rome

Università per stranieri di Perugia

Università per stranieri di Siena

Exchange Programs

There are more than 100 exchange programs in Italy listed in MIUSA's exchange database. Check them out and begin your Italian adventure today!  To find more opportunities in Italy, visit IIE Passport , Study Abroad.com or GoAbroad.com.

Language Programs

Interested in learning Italian? Below is a list of Italian language programs all over Italy.

There is no better way to learn a language than to live where it is spoken everyday!

Factoid: Did you know that when Italy was unified, in 1861, Italian mainly was used as a literary language and was spoken by less than 3% of the population? It wasn't until the 1960s when television reached many parts of the country that Italian was more widely used by the population. 

Centro Studi Filippo Brunelleschi
Piazza Indipendenza 30
50129 Florence ITALY
Tel: (39-055) 476-618   
Fax: (39-055) 476-618
E-mail: brunelleschi@dada.it

Centro Studi Filippo Brunelleschi offers intensive Italian language classes and cultural immersion in Florence, Italy. Centro Studi Filippo Brunelleschi facilities are centrally located and fully wheelchair accessible.

Eurolingua Institute
5 rue Henri Guinier
Montpellier 34000 France
Telephone: (33-467) 15-04-73
Alternate Telephone: (33-467) 58-20-17
Fax: (33-467) 58-20-17
info@eurolingua.com

The Eurolingua Institute (EI) offers intensive language programs for participants ages 16 to 75. In addition, EI arranges cultural, work abroad and special interest exchanges.

Fellowships, Scholarships, Internships and Funding

Find funding for your international exchange by visiting such websites as IIE Passport's Study Abroad Funding or the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange's (NCDE) financial aid information . NCDE lists U.S. Department of State programs and funding, disability organizations offering scholarships, and scholarship search engines. A sample of funding opportunities is listed below:

Studio Art Centers International
Scholarship Officer
Palazzo dei Cartelloni
Via Sant
Florence 50123 ITALY
Tel: (212) 984-5548
Fax: (212) 984-5325
Email: saci@iie.org

Studio Art Centers International (SACI) annually offers one full scholarship and a large number of partial scholarships. All SACI scholarships are based on both demonstrated financial need and outstanding artistic and academic ability. For undergraduate and graduate students.

Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
Renee Stephenson
Educational Programs
Rotary International
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Tel: (847) 866-3314
Fax: (847) 866-0934
Email: scholarship.inquiries@rotary.org

Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships are for either three or six months of intensive language study and cultural immersion in another country and provide funds to cover round-trip transportation, language training expenses, and homestay living arrangements. Applications are considered for candidates interested in studying Italian. Undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and post-doctorate students are eligible.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Assistant Manager
Institute of International Education
520 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 740
Houston, TX 77027
Tel:: 713-621-6300
Fax: (713) 621-0876
Email: gilman@iie.org

Scholarship for undergraduate students who are receiving Pell Grant funding.

Jean Monet Fellowship
Badia Fiesolana
European University Institute
Via dei Roccettini 9
San Domenico di Fiesole 50016 ITALY
Tel: 39 055 4685 377
Fax: 39 055 4685 444
Email: applyfellow@iue.it

Two- year fellowship at the European University Institute in Italy provides a framework for the pursuit of postdoctoral research without heavy teaching obligations by academics in the early stages of their professional career.

International Institute for Prehistoric Art
Capo di Ponte 25044 ITALY
Tel: (39-364) 42091  
Fax: (39-364) 42572
Email: info@ccsp.it  

Apprenticeships in Prehistoric and Tribal Art are offered to graduates, post-graduates and professionals to study arts at this institution. Must have knowledge of French, Italian or Spanish. Applications are encouraged from people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

Order Sons of Italy in America
National Leadership Grant Competition
Sons of Italy Foundation
219 E Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: 202-547-2900
Fax: 202-546-8168
E-mail: morourke@osia.org

Offers merit based scholarships for Americans of Italian descent

Italian Cultural Institute
Language Department
686 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212 879 4242
Fax: 212 861 4018
E-mail: lang.iicnewyork@esteri.it

A limited number of scholarships to students who wish to study the Italian language and culture in Italy are offered by Italian Schools and Language Centers through The Italian Cultural Institute in New York. The scholarships consist of free or discounted tuition at schools, academies, or centers where Italian is taught to foreigners in Italy.

Success Stories

Observing Inclusive Education in Italy by Robin M. Smith, Ph.D.

Working Together: Deaf Education and the Fulbright Program (Italy and USA) by Terry Giansanti

Links

Accessible Italy
Website for accessible tourist company

Embassy of Italy in the United States
Provides information on exchanges, funding, and visa and passports

Hands on Italia
Travel service run by Deaf people
E-mail: hot@handsontvl.com

Independent Living Institute's Information on Italy
Provides information on the accessiblity of Italy

Italian Government Travel Office
Provides information on the accessibility of tourist sites

Italian News and Media Guide

Kiasso
Website of a sign language tour company which also provides information, TTY/fax/computer use for Deaf travelers

Lonely Planet
Travel website with information on countries.  The 'Thorntree' message board also has a Travelers with Disabilities section.

Society for Accessible Travel and Accessibility 
Information on countries, motels, and tour companies for those with disabilities

Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.