Disability Tipsheets

Answers to common disability questions when planning for an international exchange experience - from necessary electrical conversions to air travel advice to disability specific overseas strategies.

Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities

Adapted from Mobility International USA’s Building Bridges: A Manual on Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange

Alcoholism and Alcohol-Related Disabilities: Considerations Related to International Exchange Programs

Information on the ADA and alcoholism, the role of alcohol in other cultures, and accommodating exchange participants who are recovering alcoholics.

Autism Spectrum / Asperger Syndrome and International Exchange

Learn the benefits of going abroad for people with Asperger Syndrome and on the autism spectrum, and the steps and questions to ask when planning an inclusive group exchange.

Blind Visitors to the United States: What you need to know

Information and resources for international visitors to the United States who are blind or have low vision. Specific tips for navigating professional, community or academic environments.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing International Exchange Participants

Suggestions for finding, funding, contracting and advocating for sign language interpreters or other communication services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing exchange participants.

Diabetes Resources

Recommendations for travel in other countries for people with diabetes.

Disability-Related Phrases and Vocabulary to Learn Before You Go Abroad

This tip sheet includes many phrases and more than 60 vocabulary words vital to clearly communicate disability related needs and concerns while abroad.

Equipment and Tools that Make Traveling with a Disability Easy

Experienced travelers with physical disabilities know there are a lot of tools and portable adaptive equipment that can make international travel easier.

Foreign Languages and Students with Learning, Hearing or Vision Disabilities

Learn strategies for optimizing world language and English language learning and links to indepth research articles related to learning disabilities, blindness and deafness.

Forms to Assess the Disability-Related Needs of Exchange Participants

Not sure what specific disability information factors into preparing for the exchange destination? Use these easy to follow forms to to help in planning ahead for program accommodations.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals

Traveling internationally with a Guide Dog, Service Dog, or Service Animal? Consider these tips, suggestions, and practical advice from experienced travelers. Ask NCDE for information about specific countries.

Guide to Electrical Adapters, Converters and Transformers for International Travel with Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices

Tips for international travelers using power wheelchair battery chargers and other electrical devices.

International Students with Disabilities Accessing Community Resources

A guide to finding off-campus disability-related resources in the U.S. for everything from support groups to equipment repair.

Learning Disability and ADD/ADHD Questions

Questions for students with learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD to consider when planning for study abroad

Medications: Tips for Traveling Internationally

Questions to consider for people who use daily medications

Mental Health-Related Disabilities: Considerations for Exchange Participants

In this document, the term mental health-related disability refers to a broad range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (or obsessions and compulsions), post traumatic stress, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and disordered eating.

Mobility Disabilities: Tips for Inclusion in International Exchange

Tips and strategies for providing accommodations to individuals with mobility disabilities and planning ahead for inclusive programs.

Personal Assistants on International Exchange Programs

This tip sheet explains the ins and outs of going abroad with a personal assistant.

Pressure Sores: How to Manage Your Health Abroad

Don't let a pressure sore end your time abroad. Learn steps to prevent pressure sores from happening while on an international exchange program, and how to recognize and treat a sore overseas if it does develop.

Social Security or Vocational Rehabilitation: Using these Funds for Exchange

Social Security Administration (SSA) and MIUSA have joined together to ensure that people with disabilities and the professionals who work with people with disabilities understand the importance of international exchange and options for including it as part of employment preparation.