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Students with Disabilities

JCMU works to help students with disabilities participate in successful experiences studying abroad in Japan.

Follow these steps to get started toward a successful study abroad experience:

1. Explore your options. Review JCMU’s program portfolio to find a program of interest to you. Consider the connections to your educational and personal goals as well as the requirements for participation. Start identifying potential programs well before you plan to go.

2. Plan early.

  • If you haven’t already done so, register with your home institutions disability office.
    • Students registering at Michigan State University as Lifelong Education students should register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). Please go to myprofile.rcpd.msu.edu to begin this process.
  • Communicate with the JCMU Program Coordinator, your disability specialist, and your academic adviser.
  • Ask an array of questions that may play a role in your selection of a program, relative to both your academic interests and potential accommodation needs. (What is the environment like? Where will you travel? What are the housing arrangements? What types of medical care are available? What public transportation is available?)
  • It may be helpful to talk to students with similar disabilities who have studied abroad.

3. Select the program and apply. After engaging with JCMU staff, and your disability specialist to discover which program is the best fit for you, follow the steps to apply for your program.

4. Request accommodations specific to your program. Work with your disability specialist to complete an Accommodation Request Form to be submitted to the JCMU program coordinator in East Lansing. If your institution does not have such a form, please use the Accommodation Request Form.

  • This should ideally be done at least 12 weeks in advance of the program's scheduled arrival/move-in date to ensure you are aware of accommodations that JCMU can provide. JCMU will continue to review and reply to requests received less than 12 weeks prior to arrival to the extent possible.
  • Please note that JCMU will assist as much as possible, but cannot guarantee that accommodations you request will be feasible or available.
  • Accommodation requests submitted after you arrive in country may not be fulfilled.

5. Prepare and go! Continue to work with your specialist to fully plan for your pre-departure, study abroad, and return. Adventure out and have a great experience! 

Additional Resources

Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
Mobility International USA is a non-profit organization that is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities.

A World of Options

A Guide to International Exchange, Community Service and Travel for Persons with Disabilities (1997 edition published by Mobility International USA: MIUSA)