Disabilities and Accommodations

Students who receive accommodations at UM can often receive the same or similar accommodations abroad, with some preparation.

Selecting a Program

CGIS recommends that students start the process early, discussing options with CGIS advisors, who can help students find a program that works best for their needs. Once students know which program they plan to travel on, they should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office to work through accommodations needs for their time studying abroad.

Please note that accommodations may not transfer abroad, as different countries have different laws regarding access and accommodations. Making arrangements for accommodations is the personal responsibility of the student, and should be done with the assistance of SSD.

If students are curious if their accommodations will transfer abroad, they should consult with CGIS advisors, who can contact the host institution abroad to assess accommodation possibilities. It is best for students to identify several programs that meet their academic interests since CGIS partners will have different accessibility standards.

Important Note: Need for accommodations is never a criterion for selection or admission to a program.

Resources by Disability Type

Not sure where to start? Use the resources below as a guide for what considerations to make before selecting a study abroad program. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but provides a good start. CGIS also recommends students do personal research on travelers who share their identities. If you want to learn more about the accessibility of a certain location or program, you can book an appointment with a CGIS Study Abroad Advisor or our Risk Mitigation Manager.

Disability Accommodations Process

Planning for accessibility abroad takes time and proactive communication. Here’s how to begin:

Step 1: Review Program Options

• Review program options on M-Compass, with CGIS Peer Advisors, and/or CGIS Program Advisors, and research general country information/attitudes around disabilities. Students can meet with their CGIS advisor before applying for a program or after.
• Review Thinking through traveling abroad: Questions for Students with Disabilities to Consider

Step 2: Connect with SSD: See the flowchart below to determine the best next steps in securing accommodations. 

If you are already connected with SSD, contact for your coordinator to schedule a meeting or request your accommodation letter. If you have not connected, complete the information form and schedule a welcome meeting.

Text summary of flowchart: Education Abroad Accommodations

For students already connected with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) that have academic accommodations only, the next step is to email the assigned coordinator for their Accommodation Certification Letter. The coordinator will then provide the Accommodation Certification Letter to the education abroad program.

For students already connected with SSD who have needs which require support beyond their standard academic accommodations, the next step is to schedule a meeting with their assigned coordinator to discuss international accommodation needs. From there, the coordinator will provide the Accommodation Certification Letter to the education abroad Program. 

For students who are not connected with SSD, the first step is to complete SSD’s Get Connected Information Form, located on SSD’s website. From there, students need to check for an email for their SSD Welcome Letter with their assigned coordinator. Next, students need to schedule a meeting with their assigned coordinator to discuss access needs at the University of Michigan and abroad. During this meeting, students will establish SSD accommodations. Following the meeting, students need to submit their semester request in Accommodate to use accommodations at the University of Michigan. Finally, the student’s should then provide their Accommodation Certification Letter to the education abroad program and/or education abroad advisor.

Housing Accommodations

Unless it is specified on the CGIS brochure page for the program, CGIS' Housing Policy does not allow students to secure independent housing during their study abroad program. 

If specific housing accommodations are needed due to a chronic illness or disability, please submit the form below within 2 business days of confirming your acceptance on the program in MCompass. It is paramount that students submit this documentation as soon as possible as any delays in doing so may result in potential accommodations no longer being available. 

Once all documentation is received, CGIS will consult with UHS and our on-site partners to determine if the program is able to accommodate your needs. The final decision to approve or deny accomodation requests is made by an independent healthcare provider at UHS. It can take up to three weeks to receive a decision. It is pertinent that students who require a housing accommodation submit the above paperwork as soon as possible to get this process started.

Additionally, it is important to understand that this not a request for independent housing. All CGIS students are required to stay in CGIS sponsored housing for the duration of their program.

Note: CGIS does not provide or manage living arrangements for every study abroad program and this form applies to those programs for which CGIS does provide living arrangements as part of the program being offered.