enhancing access to students with non-apparent disabilities in international exchange ashley holben...
TRANSCRIPT
Enhancing Access to Students with Non-Apparent Disabilities in International Exchange
Which Disabilities are “Non-Apparent”?
Mental health conditions
Systemic / chronic health conditions
Learning disabilities
ADHD
Autism spectrum
Brain / head injury
Student Voices“Even though my Asperger’s syndrome gives me the tendency to be somewhat introverted, I felt that my time in France communicating in a different language and learning about another country gave me a greater desire to interact with others and experience new cultures in the future.”
– Chris (France)
“Like many people with chronic illnesses, I sometimes shy away from otherwise rewarding experiences because I worry about my health in unfamiliar situations. But I knew I could handle my 2-month summer program. It’s also important to have a sense of humor, a strong sense of self, and a willingness to do things differently than other people.”
– Sarah (Costa Rica)
Travel InsuranceInsurance coverage
◦Medical◦Accident◦Emergency evacuation◦Repatriation
Does travel insurance cover preexisting conditions?
Maintaining Your Existing InsurancePay out-of-network costs.
Receive emergency services only.
Pay up front and reimburse once home.
Medicaid and state-run programs don’t cover overseas costs.
Medication Concerns
Adjusting medications
Travel health warnings
Interaction with vaccinations and anti-malarials
Packing medications
Mailing medications
Self-medicating
Prescription Pointers
Visit U.S. Dept. of State webpage, and the host country’s embassy website to verify medication legality and requirements.
Keep medication in original container.
When refilling prescriptions, will the host country accept a prescription from the United States?
Getting a Doctor’s NoteDescribe:
◦Health condition◦Purpose of medication◦Equivalent generic medication
Put letter on letterhead.Translate letter into the host country’s
language.
GermanyCountry-Specific Information on MedicationU.S. Department of State
Reputation for good medical care and facilities.
Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash.
Strict customs regulations
Generally not allowed to receive prescriptions by mail
Carry only the amount of medication you plan to use
U.S. Department of State, 5/19/2014http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html
JapanCountry-Specific Information on MedicationU.S. Department of State
U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan
Arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay or enough until you are able to see a local care provider
Certain medications, including some commonly prescribed for depression and ADHD not widely available
Can bring up to one month’s supply of allowable medicine
Bring a copy of doctor’s prescription and letter of purpose
Japan (continued)Country-Specific Information on MedicationU.S. Department of State
Japanese physicians often prescribe similar substitutes
Illegal to bring some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the U.S., especially those containing stimulants
Up to a two-months' supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a four-months' supply of allowable vitamins can be brought Japan duty-free.
Limited availability of U.S.-style psychiatric care
U.S. Department of State, 5/15/2014
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html
CroatiaCountry-Specific Information on MedicationU.S. Department of State
Health-care facilities generally of Western caliber but under severe budgetary strain.
Some medicines are in short supply in public hospitals and clinics.
Many private practitioners and pharmacies stock medicines not readily available through public facilities.
U.S. Department of State, 5/15/2014
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html
Pula, Croatia
Medication and Time Zones
If medication is taken at the same time everyday, strategize with your doctor on how to adjust to the new time zone.
Sacramento, USA
6 am
San Jose, Costa Rica
7 am
Berlin, Germany
3 pm
Tokyo, Japan
10 pm
Sydney, Australia
11 pm
Weather and Disability
In which hemisphere is the host country in? Will the weather be humid or arid? Does the weather exacerbate the disability?
Sacramento, CA Berlin, Germany Sydney, Australia
Avg. High
Avg. Low
Avg. Rain
Avg. High
Avg. Low
Avg. Rain
Avg. High
Avg. Low
Avg. Rain
Feb 61° F 41° F 3.5 in 37° F 28° F 1.2 in 80° 67° 5.0 in
April 73° F 47° F 1.5 in 55° F 40° F 1.4 in 73° 58° 3.9 in
June 89° F 56° F 0.3 in 70° F 54° F 2.8 in 64° 48° 4.4 in
Aug 93° F 58° F .01 in 73° F 57° F 1.8 in 66° 48° 2.5 in
Oct 80° F 50° F .07 in 57° F 45° F 1.2 in 74° 56° 1.8 in
Dec 56° F 38° F 3.0 in 38° F 32° F 2.2 in 79° 64° 2.6 in
World Weather Online, 5/28/2014, http://www.worldweatheronline.com.
Medical Emergencies
• Understand your insurance coverage.
• Create an action plan before leaving home.
• Go to the emergency room.• Locate an English speaking
doctor.• Contact your doctor at
home.• Fly home when approved.
Innsbruck, Austria
Encouraging DisclosureAssist study abroad staff with
language.
Request a list of accepted study abroad students.
"Studying abroad? Maybe we can help."
Attend study abroad orientations and workshops.
What if They STILL Don’t Disclose?Share safety, health, and
accessibility info with ALL participants.
Prepare safety nets for the unexpected.
Train staff on diversity.
Broaden options for support.
Universal AccommodationsMore housing optionsReferrals to English-speaking
professionalsEarly arrival optionsAcademic pass/fail grading option,
reduced course loadsPre-notification of excursions and
eventsBreaks and flexibility in scheduling
Universal AccommodationsEducation about insurance and
medicationsNegotiate group insurance Training for overseas faculty on
disabilityNotes provided from lecturesDisability training for study abroad
staffFlights with flexible/open return
date
Can the Overseas Program Answer These Questions?
“What plans exist for a mental health-related, medical, or other type of emergency?”
“Are mental health providers available at or near the program site?”
“What training do program leaders receive in crisis management?”
“What is the process of debriefing after a difficult incident has happened?”
Students Should…Talk with alumniInvestigate support servicesLearn cross-cultural disability
issues in the host countryAsk for remote assistance from
advisors
Other Discoveries AbroadGood Surprises:Transportation was easier to navigateMedical services less expensiveCourses are less demanding, student-centered structure.
Bad Surprises:Long reading listsVague assignmentsLess insulated walls/outdoor classrooms = more distractions
Wished they had used:Reduced course loadEarplugsPrograms with pass/fail grading option
Cultural AttitudesStudents with non-apparent disabilities may face…
Lack of recognition of their disabilityPeople downplaying the disability Misinterpreting behaviorsStrangers not offering assistance when needed; expected to do everything on their ownLow expectations or disempowering attitudes
New Place, New CultureTime and punctuality Leisure and schedules Non-verbal communication
“I was very comfortable [in Japan]. For some reason, the cultural structure is less intimidating and you know what is expected of you in Japan. It’s a more ritualistic society, and people with autism can be ritualistic. I knew the basic culture was family-oriented, so I could follow their structure.”
- Ted, student on the autism spectrum
Resources from MIUSAContact our staff at
[email protected]. Visit us online at www.miusa.org.
Read or submit traveler stories.Request free materials.Contribute to our resources!
Email Michele at [email protected].
Sample Tip Sheet Titles at www.miusa.org15 Ways to Accommodate Exchange
Participants with Chronic Health ConditionsPlanning an Autism-Friendly Exchange
ProgramCrafting Health History & Medical
Clearance FormsMedications When Traveling InternationallySuccessful Study Abroad with a Mental
Health ConditionWhy Pre-Existing Conditions Matter in
Insurance
My time abroad while studying in Potsdam, Germany. Diagnosed with relapsing and remitting Multiple Sclerosis since 2008.
Places I saw…..
England Switzerland
……..
Italy Greece
France
Jack’s Story
Jack with father-son Bulgarian writersPetko and Pencho Slaveykov
Jack’s Story
Fulbright scholar to Britain, Canada, Germany, Hungary and Japan
Insulin dependent diabetic since 1996
Questions? Contact us!Ashley Holben
Mobility International [email protected]
Teresa Spoulos, Ed.D.
San Diego State [email protected]
Alexandrea HatcherStudent, UC Davis
Jack GodwinPolitical Scientist and
Writer [email protected]