The Experiment in International Living, a program of World Learning, strives to provide accessible exchange experiences that are inclusive for participants with disabilities. Participants with disabilities including learning, physical, mental health, short-term, or other types of disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act, are encouraged to contact Admissions as early as possible for information and support. Please note that accessibility accommodation differs based on the learning environment.

Participants who have accommodations in place at home may find that an accommodation is not necessary in their Experiment program context, and others who do not have accommodations at home may find an accommodation for their program beneficial. Experiment participants should work with Admissions and World Learning’s Health Team for any accommodations on our programs.

How to Request Accommodations

To request accommodations, admitted participants should contact the Health Team at  [email protected].

Participants should request accommodations as early as possible, with a recommended deadline date of November 30th for programs between January and May, April 10th for programs between June and September, and June 15th for programs between October and December. A reasonable amount of time is required to review accommodation requests. Depending on the nature of the request and the realities of our programs, The Experiment cannot guarantee that all requests will be approved.

What Happens Next?

The determination of reasonable accommodations is handled on a case-by-case basis and includes an interactive process between the participants, program staff, and our Health Team. Participants should be aware that in-country conditions and resources vary significantly by site, and specific program locations may have limited accessibility. However, every effort is made to work collaboratively to facilitate accommodations. Participants who are eligible for disability accommodations will receive a written letter outlining their approved accommodation plan.

Documentation

The amount and type of documentation required will depend on the individual situation and specific accommodation requests. Documentation submitted should be current and provided by a qualified professional. The documentation must be written in English on that professional’s letterhead, personally signed by the evaluator, and include the following:

  • Functional impact of the stated disability on one or more major life activities;
  • Specific diagnosis of the disability;
  • A comprehensive history of the disability and the use of accommodations, if applicable;
  • Recommendations from the evaluator for accommodations, including academic adjustments or auxiliary aids.

Please include a copy of your accommodation letter from your home school or doctor’s office, if available.

Confidentiality

Documentation records are confidential and maintained by The Experiment and World Learning. However, appropriate information may be shared with designated Experiment and World Learning staff and/or international partner offices, in accordance with federal and World Learning confidentiality policies, for the purpose of processing accommodation requests and facilitating approved disability accommodations.

As an Experiment participant, you are ultimately responsible for your own learning, motivation, and success. Think of your relationship with The Experiment as a partnership, one that provides support but also encourages your own self-advocacy. We recommend that you consult the Health Team as early as possible to discuss your disability, possible accommodation, and other assistance you may need.

Resources

MIUSA (Mobility International USA) is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision, and other disabilities. It offers numerous resources for persons with disabilities who wish to study abroad and/or engage in international development opportunities.