“Joining Hands”, a virtual conference hosted by MIUSA, focused on people with disabilities in international exchange. Julie Henry, our Education Abroad Grant Researcher, submitted a poster titled, "Seeking VR Support for Study Abroad."
[TRANSCRIPT]
There is an image of red confetti, with a blank red box on the bottom right hand corner; this is on a background of a beige color. At the top of the poster is a big black box that has bold white letters. It is the title box, and it reads, “Seeking Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Funding for Study Abroad.”
Below this title box is another black box with bold white letters saying, “Every state VR office operates under different policies so there is no official policy about receiving funding for study abroad. However, using the following steps, you can work with your VR counselor to see if funding may be available to help you participate in study abroad.”
Then there are three white columns with black letters; the first box on the left tells you the first two steps to start the process to discuss study abroad with your VR counselor. The second box in the center lists steps three and four. The third box on the right explains the fifth and final step in meeting with your VR counselor.
In the first white column, the first step is to “Find a program that will provide credit towards graduation.” It then explains, “VR offices are more likely to support programs that are required for graduation. Talk to your major advisor about programs that will provide you with credit towards graduation. Ask your VR counselor what programs they would be able to fund. Start searching for a program two to three semesters before you plan to travel.”
Below the first step, in the first white column, is step two. It states, “Find an education abroad program you’re interested in and talk to your study abroad program advisor. Focus on programs that are billed directly to your student account instead of programs that require you to pay tuition to another institution. “Home credit” programs (billed to your student account) are more likely to be approved for funding by VR.”
To the right, in the center of the first and third columns, is the second white column with step three.
Step three is “Brainstorming around accommodations.” This reminds the student to “Remember that you don’t need to disclose your disability to your advisor. However, disclosure can help you obtain the necessary accommodations. Determine what your needs will be in another country. Remember, different countries have different laws that provide different protections. Talk to your Education Abroad advisor and a Program Coordinator (if there is one) about what accommodations are available for your program or location.”
Below step three is step four, which advises to “Make a game plan.” It explains, “ Discuss a game plan to modify any and all accommodations if needed. Work with both your education abroad office AND your office of students with disabilities to ensure you are able to get the accommodations you need abroad.”
To the far right of the second column, is the third and final column box explaining step five. Step five is to “Talk to your VR counselor.” It states, “Programs that are billed as “home credit” (billed directly to your student account) are more likely to be funded as your VR office already has a relationship with your university. Get a letter from your professor, advisor, or study abroad advisor explaining the program’s purpose, cost, and the value of the program. Make sure they include whether it is required for graduation. Programs that are required OR that push a student closer to graduation are more likely to receive funding. Explain to your counselor the value of your participation in this program. If there are additional fees required to participate in a study abroad program, your VR office may be able to cover these. Make sure they are listed in the letter from your education abroad office.”