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.

Adaptive Software and Applications for People with Disabilities

Examples of free computer applications and tools used to access software and websites by people with disabilities. Also organizations to contact to learn more.

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

Alcohol-Related Disabilities and International Exchange

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

Assessing 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 help in planning ahead for program accommodations.

Assistive Technology and Portable Tools for Exchange Participants with Disabilities

Find out the assistive technology, adaptive software and portable tools common in the United States.

Autism Spectrum / Asperger and International Exchange

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

Blind or Low Vision 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.

Cultural Differences Related to Disability

Do you have questions about cultural differences related to disabilities and how disability-related accommodations differ between cultures?

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Exchange Participants Going Abroad

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

Diabetes and International Exchange

Recommendations for travel in other countries for people with diabetes.

Disability-Related Vocabulary to Learn and Take Abroad

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

English Proficiency Test Arrangements for People with Disabilities

Want to attend a school in the United States? Get the Who, What and Where on arranging disability-related accommodations for the TOEFL, TSE and other tests of English.

Foreign Language Learning and Students with Disabilities

Learn strategies for optimizing foreign language learning and links to in-depth research articles related to learning disabilities, blindness, deafness and other disabilities.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals While on International Exchange

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.

HIV/AIDS and International Exchange Planning

Learn more about policies, medication and accommodations planning, and personal and professional resources useful to international exchange travelers living with HIV/AIDS.

Insurance Considerations for Exchange Participants with Disabilities

Learn questions to investigate and what to consider as it relates to travel and health insurance, disability issues and people with pre-existing conditions.

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 and International Travel

What to consider when traveling internationally with 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 and International Exchange

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

Oxygen and International Travel

Tips and suggestions for traveling with oxygen

Packing for Easier Travel with a Mobility Disability

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

Personal Assistants on International Exchange Programs

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

Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices for International Travel

Tips for international travelers using power wheelchair battery chargers, electrical adapters, converters and transformers.

Pressure Sore Prevention and Management 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 and Going Abroad

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.

Tips for International Travelers with Disabilities

20 travelers with disabilities share tips in the book, "Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities."

Ventilators and International Travel

More people with disabilities who travel with a ventilator are discovering the joys of travel and international experiences. These tips and resources are designed to help with advance planning and success.