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 Lindgren University of Minnesota Michele Scheib Mobility International USA

First-Year International Students Percent who report Disabilities 2010: 5% 2014: 4% abled 4 % 35% Learning 20% Sensory 14% Multiple 12% Other 10% 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 Careers International 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 See also another short video of Lucas at:

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 Know  International 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 Gaps  Advocate 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

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