“But if I Can’t Travel, I Don’t Graduate” Students with Disabilities and Supporting Unique Needs within Degree Programs that Require International Travel “But if I Can’t Travel, I Don’t Graduate” Students with Disabilities and Supporting Unique Needs within Degree Programs that Require International Travel The Forum on Education Abroad 7th Annual Standards of Good Practice Institute Beyond the Basics of Health, Safety, Security and Risk Management Thursday, June 23, 2016 Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Courtney Bilbrey The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Jennifer Fullick TCS Education System

Our Journey Campus internationalization is taking off: three degree programs now require students to study abroad. Great! And then the first call comes in; a student with a documented disability has enrolled into the program: now what? We share our journey as an International Educator and a Disability Coordinator finding our way.

About Us About You Tool #1: Rights and Responsibility Agreement Tool #2: ACCESS Abroad Case Studies Resources and Next Steps

Our Programs Faculty-Led Study Abroad Elective Two options: Departmenta l or National Center of International Studies International Psychology Required Masters Level: One Field Experience Required PhD Level: Two Field Experiences Required Public Health Required Masters Level: One Field Experience Required

About You Disability & Required Travel Overlapping Disability Accommodation International Education Required Travel/Academic Legal/Risk Management

Evolution: Rights & Responsibility Agreement Agreement Prior to Enrollment “Global Match” Process Agreement Prior to Travel Students With Existing Conditions No Agreement- Waiver Only

What to Include Guest Policy Personal Assistants, Family Members with Disabilities Appropriate Alcohol Use Alcoholism, Treatment Physical Ability Immunization Restrictions, Mobility, Mental/Cognitive

ACCESS Abroad Request Process Student Submits: ACCESS abroad accommodation request form (see your handout) Documentation from treating professional ACCESS: Reviews documentation Asks clarifying questions Identifies stakeholders Identifies potential costs Identify stakeholders: Student ACCESS Treating professional Traveling faculty Study Abroad or Field Experience staff International liaison Vendors abroad Finance dept. Stakeholders plan together: Interplay between all Disclosure to stakeholders on a need-to-know basis Information exchanged Travel itinerary Local info Hotel or food info Plan finalized: Due date Implementation plan communicated to all stakeholders We ask student to connect with their treating professional with final plan Final clearances if necessary

CASE STUDIES

1. Physical Disability When Prior to Travel Disclosure Mobility Solution Exertion Level Scale/Work with Physician or Specialist

2. Immunization Limitation When Prior to Travel Disclosure Immunization Solution Are immunizations required or recommended? Alternative trip may be required

3. “You Can’t Unlearn What You Already Know” When Prior to Travel Disclosure Travel Completely Prohibited by Physician Solution Travel Restriction Released by Same Physician

4. “Who Pays for What” When During Travel Disclosure Emergency health issue with any student (ACCESS or non-ACCESS) Solution Distinguish costs between new and existing issues, disability vs. non

To Consider… Policies unified across campuses Align with existing processes: eg. Policy exception protocol Partner with Recruitment/Enrollment/Admissions Consistent Locations Program that Highlights or Focuses on Accessibility

Future Strategy Expand Exertion Level Indicators Diverse locations for ACCESS students— less “funneling” to most accessible countries Shift towards student-centered decision-making

Thank You