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. If you have a disability, you are encouraged to contact SIT 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 six to eight hours per day. You will be given a 30-minute break every two hours.
Attendance at religious classes and church is a course requirement. Learning is typically assessed through take-home assignments, in-class assignments, written assignments/exams, oral presentations/exams, take-home quizzes/exams, and in-class quizzes/exams. Course readings and in-class materials are not 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 SIT program office is accessed by a set of exterior stairs. The classroom, computer space, student lounge, study/library, and restroom are located on the ground level with doors measuring at least 32 in. (82 cm.) wide. Hallways/pathways are widths less than this. The classroom and study/library have threshold bumps of approximately 6 in. The computer space, lounge, and restroom have accessible door handles. The restroom has a wide stall(s), running water, and a raised toilet seat.
Activities/Excursions
The program includes single and multi-week excursions to urban and rural areas of Kenya and Rwanda. Program excursions involve standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. A pair of comfortable, rubber-soled, waterproof shoes are recommended. Program excursions may occasionally vary to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities.
Housing
Each program’s homestay coordinator will be responsible for placing students in homestays. These placements are first made based on health concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs, to the extent possible. Homestays offer regular access to electricity to charge devices and a refrigerator for storing medication. Physically accessible homestay options are limited. If you have questions about homestay accessibility, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Dietary Needs
The main staple in much of Kenya is ugali, a stiff porridge that is eaten with a sauce at most meals. In other regions rice, fish or meat curry, green vegetables (mchicha), beans, and millet are popular staple foods. For those following a vegetarian diet, tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful. Veganism, depending on the type of vegan commitment, is difficult but can be upheld in some parts of the country.
SIT Study Abroad works with students, program staff, homestay families, home colleges and universities, and others to accommodate student 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 Kisumu, students typically travel at least 10 minutes between their primary homestay, classes, and/or placement sites. Walking and buses are the typical modes of travel for program excursions. Mini buses may be available for some program excursions. Buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Taxis and minivans are also available. The general routes of travel have limited accessibility due to unpaved, bumpy, potholed roads and unmarked road crossings. Very few hospitals and government buildings are physically accessible.
Technology
You are advised to bring your own academic technology including laptops, flash drives, recording devices, and assistive technology. It is recommended that you fully insure your electronic property against loss or theft. The program computer space currently has Wi-Fi, computer for word processing, printer, copier, and scanner. Word-processing and printing can also be done at Internet cafés and other email facilities in Kisumu and other major cities.
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
Adequate medical services are available in Kisumu and Nairobi for most medical conditions and emergencies that one may experience in Kenya. Payment for medical services is covered by your health insurance if the provider is notified prior to or during the medical service.
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 you’re 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.
If you have a disability, you 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.