Accessibility
This information is provided to assist you in identifying possible accessibility barriers and preparing for an accessible educational experience with SIT Study Abroad. You should be aware that while in-country conditions and resources vary by site, every effort is made to work collaboratively with qualified individuals to facilitate disability-related accommodation. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact SIT’s Disability Services at [email protected] for additional information related to access abroad and to discuss possible accommodations.
Academics
During the coursework phase of the program, you will generally be in class five to six days per week for three to five hours per day. You will have breaks between classes every 90 minutes. Learning is typically assessed through take-home assignments, in-class assignments, written assignments/exams, oral presentations/exams, individual assignments, group assignments, and in-class quizzes/exams. Course readings and in-class materials are typically available in a digital format.
If you have questions about alternate format materials, testing accommodations, or other academic accommodations, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Program Center
The program office is accessed by a set of exterior stairs. The building’s entrance, its interior pathways/hallways, and doorways are at least 32 in. (82 cm.) wide. The program’s classroom and study/library are located on the ground level. There is no elevator in the building. The restroom has running water.
Activities/Excursions
Program excursions include visits to rural and tribal communities where you will have opportunities to participate in healthcare work. You should expect to stand and walk for long periods of time. A pair of comfortable, rubber-soled, waterproof shoes is recommended. Please note program excursions may occasionally vary.
Housing
The program’s homestay coordinator will be responsible for placing you in your homestay. These placements are made based, first, on health concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs, to the extent possible. Homestays offer access to Wi-Fi, cellular service, electricity to charge devices, and refrigerator for storing medication; however, blackouts are frequent and prolonged. The physical accessibility of homestay options is currently limited. If you have questions about homestay accessibility, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Dietary Needs
Indian cuisine is regionally varied, based on either rice or bread. It can also be spicy and hot; chilies are sometimes used liberally. Many Indian families maintain a vegetarian diet for religious reasons. The program center typically provides lunch consisting of a vegetarian meal. It is difficult to maintain a vegan diet due to numerous dishes containing milk products.
SIT Study Abroad works with students, program staff, homestay families, home colleges and universities, and others to accommodate dietary needs whenever possible. For more information on dietary needs and dietary preferences, please review the Student Support section of the Student Health, Safety, and Support web page.
Transportation
In New Delhi, you will typically travel the six to eight miles between your homestay, classes, and/or placement sites by subway or taxi. Walking, trains, and taxis are used for transportation on local excursions. For multi-day excursions, overnight trains that have seats/beds are used. Buses and trains are generally not equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. The subway in New Delhi has more accessibility features. Some excursions require travel by taxi over rough terrain.
Technology
The program’s computer space currently has a computer for word processing and spellcheck, printer, scanner, and copier. The program provides a wireless internet device for emails and academic work. You are advised to bring your own academic technology, including laptops, adaptors, or recording devices. It is also recommended that you fully insure your electronic property against loss or theft. You are also advised that blackouts are frequent and prolonged.
If you have questions about assistive technology, note-taking accommodations, or other academic accommodations, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Health Resources
Health services are available in Delhi, and the SIT program has relationships with a number of doctors. Counseling and psychiatric care is not as widely available in India, nor is it utilized in the same way as in the United States. Payment for medical services is covered by your health insurance if the provider is notified prior to or during the medical service. Please note that summer heat, dust, and urban pollution may pose specific health-related challenges.
Once admitted, you are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns about accessing health services or medication while abroad during the health review process. Read more about the health review process and the summary of benefits for student health insurance.
Requesting Disability-Related Accommodations
To request disability-related accommodations once admitted, you should contact the Office of Disability Services. For more information about the accommodation process, documentation guidelines and a link to the accommodation request form, please visit the Office of Disability Services website.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Services at [email protected] or 802 258-3390 as early as possible for information and support.
Additional Support Resources
MIUSA (Mobility International USA) is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision, and other disabilities. It offers numerous resources for persons with disabilities who wish to study abroad and/or engage in international development opportunities.
Abroad with Disabilities (AWD) is a Michigan nonprofit organization founded in 2015 with the goal of promoting the belief that persons with disabilities can and should go abroad. AWD works diligently to empower clients to pursue study, work, volunteer, and/or internship opportunities outside of the United States by creating dialogue, sharing resources, and spreading awareness.