Lessons Learned from a Disabilities Accessible Study Abroad Trip

In the summer of 2009, a two-week study abroad program was specifically designed and executed to include students with disabilities. Recruitment efforts resulted in 11 student participants, six of who were identified as having a disability by the University's Office of Disability Services. Students participated in a two-course academic program; one course took place on campus prior to the actual study abroad experience and included academic content to prepare students for the follow-up course. The second course entailed a study abroad experience in Switzerland. This article describes the lessons learned.