Dreams are for fulfilling.  I dreamt for a long time about studying abroad.  Because of my visual impairment, some people thought that it might not be possible for me.  But I worked hard to make my dream a reality. 

During my junior year at Northern Illinois University (NIU), I studied at the University of Sunderland in England through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). What did I gain?  Confidence.  An in-depth experience of British culture.  The opportunity to travel around a country with a long and fabled history.  Now I am convinced that everyone should study abroad or participate in any of the many types of organized international exchange opportunities.

When I say “everyone” I mean everyone – including students with disabilities.  As a student who has successfully studied abroad AND who is legally blind, I am a true example that it can be done!  It did take some extra effort.  For example, in preparation for my studies in England I contacted the disabilities support coordinator at Sunderland to be sure that the disability-related accommodations that I required would be available.  Well in advance, the disability services coordinator at Sunderland, the study abroad office at NIU, my vocational rehabilitation counselor, and I formed a team.  We figured out exactly what I would need to have a successful experience and delegated who would take responsibility for each piece.  I ordered audiotape versions of the textbooks that I would be using in England before I left and was able to take them with me.  Sunderland’s disability services office provided me with a computer, in which I installed my own enlarging software.  The Illinois Vocational Rehabilitation Department covered the cost of the software.  The disability services office at Sunderland notified all of my future professors of the various services that I would need.  Additionally, I learned that I would have access to a CCTV at the school library.  This in-depth preparation made my transition to Sunderland so much easier.

Having chosen a program that met both my academic goals and my disability accommodation needs, I then turned my attention to finances.  Throughout my college career, I received vocational rehabilitation funds.  I remained eligible for these while I studied at Sunderland because my coursework there fit in with my vocational plan.

In my case, using vocational rehabilitation support for my time in England was a somewhat simple and logical process.  However, every state’s rehabilitation services and study abroad programs are different regarding the amount of financial support that is given.  Allow plenty of time to research and talk with your vocational rehabilitation counselor about how much financial support your state will allow you to receive while studying abroad.  I would also advise that if you do in fact receive funding for your trip, that you work closely with both your rehab counselor and your study abroad coordinator to ensure that everything gets paid for that should be.  I was required to pay for my own airfare, as well as any other traveling that I did while I was there. I really didn't have any extra expenses beyond that.
For those of you who have a disability, studying abroad is an experience that is available to you.  There are resources available to help bring your dream into reality.