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Welcoming and Effectively Including International Students with Disabilities
in Your Institution
Thursday, July 16, 2015
AHEAD International Conference in St. Paul
Presenters
Sue Jin Hee LindgrenUniversity of Minnesota
Michele ScheibMobility International USA
First-Year International Students
Percent who report Disabilities2010: 5%2014: 4%abled 4%
35% Learning 20% Sensory 14% Multiple12% Other10% Mental 6% Mobility
Types of Disabilities
National Survey on Student Engagement 2014
Who is on U.S. Campuses?
Why Come to the U.S.?
“Although communicating with new people is a big challenge, I noticed that disabled people are treated better and more respected in the U.S. than in my home country of Rwanda. American schools do their best to accommodate disabled students.”
Samson, who is Deaf, dreams of being a civil engineer.
The U.S. is Better for CareersInternational students who use disability services rank U.S. career services & work experience:
10% higher than non-disabled international students in the U.S. 6-10% higher than international disabled students going to other countries instead of U.S.
From i-graduate’s International Student Barometer 2010, a globally benchmarked study of international students.
VIDEO: Lucas, Brazil to University of MN
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3D8E_RULJkSee also another short video of Lucas at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_ljKThF3tE
Does your campus have an international students office?
If not, where are these resources located?What is the scope & staffing? Consider visiting and making connections
Disability & International Offices Checks documentation and
determines eligibility Resists “these are your
students” attitude from other university offices
Alternates between: Supporting students Advising faculty and staff Advocating for more
funding and inclusive environments
What You Should KnowInternational students are covered by U.S. laws
They may not have the same training or equipment as Americans with disabilities
Some disability funds for equipment or training are only for U.S. citizens
Retention of international students is a growing focus
Using Disability Services
May be more comfortable to seek help from family/friends than strangers
Pride/shame issues: In their home country expected to do without assistance
Some students do not believe they qualify for assistance since not U.S. citizens or visa needs
Cultural Differences
Filling in Informational Gaps Mention disability services when
your campus is recruiting abroad Send disability staff to
international student orientation workshops
Collaborate on welcome materials Evaluate web resources & intake
forms together
Connect international & U.S. disabled peers
Filling in the Funding GapsAdvocate for insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
Locate assistive technology & equipment donations
Tap disability community organizations for training on independent living, advocacy, diagnostics, coaching, service dogs, transportation, etc.
Welcoming International Students with Disabilities
Next activity: How are you addressing differences in preparedness and accommodations?
Mobility Training• Used to sighted guides • Little or insufficient
mobility training• Wants to get a dog guide
or one they have is not trained as expected
• Never been in snow• English barriers• No funds for training
Assistive Technology• Technology/braille
compatibility issues • Funds for better (or
any) technology• If technology is
available, who will train them?
• English as barrier• Getting up to speed
while doing courses
Personal Assistance• May not need if
more access & tools in U.S.
• Costs to bring someone or funds to hire
• Visa issues for parents or siblings
• How to hire someone
Communication Support
• Using Certified Deaf Interpreters • Utilizing services if used to none • Tapping into Deaf community to learn• Isolation and homesickness
Social & Counseling Support• Reduced course
loads• Insurance coverage• Cultural differences
in mental health• Academic
differences• Confidentiality• Diagnosis
Visit us at: www.miusa.org
Questions?
