“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.” (Tom Landry).
A person is considered to have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity. More specifically, a disability can be a learning disability, ADD/ADHD, mobility impairment, a medical condition, a sensory impairment, or a mental health condition, and more.
Many students requesting accommodations today have an invisible disability or a disability that is not observable or physically evident. However, just because a disability may be invisible to others is not a good reason to keep it a secret, especially if planning a trip abroad. Don’t let stigma or shame be a barrier. Instead, empower yourself to invest the time and effort into planning for an amazing trip as well as planning for emergencies and flare-ups.
It is important to recognize that other countries have different laws regarding access and accommodations as well as the way in which they may perceive and respond to a person with a disability. Therefore, it is extremely important to research your destination, ahead of time, so that you know what you can expect from another culture. In fact, you may want to research and consider purchasing insurance that will cover you in another country.
In general, if you have a physical disability, find out as much as you can about physical access and possible barriers regarding your route of travel, your housing and transportation. Don’t forget to consider your needs on the airplane as well.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have an adequate supply of your medications. Also, find out, in advance, about the safe keeping of your medication. Find out what you can do if you need more medication while away. Will your medication be available in another country and will your insurance work abroad or will there be an out-of-pocket expense? These are all important considerations.
Many students have mental health challenges. Changes in mental wellness can be triggered by change, stress or something new. Therefore, your mental health should be your top priority when planning to travel abroad.
Here are some important suggestions:
• Consult with your health/medical professionals to ensure your readiness for travel
• Consider a free mental health screening in advance of your trip
• Know and respect your own limitations
• Be aware of the symptoms of culture shock, being home-sick, and how these may exacerbate your existing condition(s)
• Create a self-care or a crisis plan
• Establish a support network and/or travel buddy
• Self-disclose and communicate your needs, in advance, with the appropriate personnel supervising your trip
• If you are registered with the disability office, establish your accommodations in advance
• If you are not registered with the student disability office, contact the office well before your departure to identify possible barriers, and to set-up accommodations that will be relevant to your new setting and educational needs.
In conclusion, travel is very exciting and a great way to learn and mature. However, travelling can be very stressful to any traveler, both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is very important to plan in advance by recognizing your personal needs, consulting with professionals that can assist you in planning and finally, preparing for challenges so that you feel in control instead of a victim of extenuating circumstances.
Jana Garnett is the Director of Disability Services and Programs for Students at Santa Barbara City College. Jana has over 20 years of professional experience in program
management and teacher education. In addition, Jana has experience in developing programs to promote success among students with diverse learning styles and abilities.