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Students with Disabilities

The UW Study Abroad Office encourages all students who meet program eligibility requirements to study abroad as part of their UW degree. If you want to study abroad, but anticipate barriers to participation due to a disability or health concerns, you should discuss your personal needs and concerns with a UW Study Abroad Adviser early on. Your study abroad adviser can:

  • Work closely with you to identify program options that match your interests and are best suited to accommodate your needs.
  • Coordinate with you, UW Disability Student Resources, and program staff abroad to arrange reasonable accommodations to meet your personal needs and concerns.
  • Connect you to both UW and external resources for additional information and support.

Although the UW Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee that any or all its program sites can accommodate your specific needs, we will do our best to inform you about your options abroad and assist with planning.  Please visit our office to speak with a Study Abroad Adviser about programs of interest to you.

Resources, Guides and Personal Stories

  • The National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange, an arm of Mobility International USA is a great resource for students with disabilities who want to study abroad. The website includes a database of disability organizations worldwide, tips for traveling with disabilities, free one-on-one consultations, and informational videos.
  • Access Abroad at the University of Minnesota study abroad website has some great information for their students with disabilities. The site provides information on how accommodations might differ abroad, medical and prescription needs, coping strategies, and tips from students who studied abroad with disabilities.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers advice for travelers with disabilities including your rights when traveling by air, assistance and accommodations, service animals, and other useful links.

To Request UW Accommodations:

Disability Resources for Students Office
011 Mary Gates
Box 352808
Seattle, WA 98195-2808
uwdrs@uw.edu
206-543-8924 (Voice)
206-543-8925 (TTY)
206-616-8379 (Fax)