For many students, studying abroad may be the highlight of their college experience. After all, the privilege to be able to get away to a different part of the world to experience unique places and perspectives firsthand can aid a student in various aspects of their life. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are traditionally excluded from any discussion about studying abroad, with it too often being taken as a given those disabilities would disqualify students from the ability to study independently overseas. However, Rowan’s Education Abroad Office is taking big steps to ensure that the opportunity to experience the benefits of studying abroad are available to all students, regardless of their disability status.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, Rowan’s Education Abroad Office hosted an assembly in the Student Center to spread awareness about opportunities for students with disabilities to study abroad. With speakers from the Education Abroad Office, the Office of Accessibility Services, and more, the event covered any and all questions studying abroad with a disability might raise.

“If it’s something that’s available to you, it’s such a great opportunity,” said the advisor for Education Abroad, Laura Kahler. “Even in the struggles abroad comes growth, comes beauty, there’s a lot of good things that come from studying abroad in general, and I would say just go for it.”

“We have had very few students with disabilities,” Kahler said. “I think we’ve sent one or two in the time that I’ve been here.”

Kahler went on to detail the efforts to extend the opportunity to study abroad to more students with disabilities: whether it be partnering with study abroad providers with accessibility teams, or aiding students with information on how accessible different destinations are for the disabled. Rowan’s Education Abroad Office is trying to ensure their programs are available for as many students as possible. 

“You get to learn so much and be able to see the world at the same time,” said Michelle Vallero, a travel advisor who specializes in accommodations for individuals with disabilities. 

Vallero founded Varello Infinite Journeys, her own travel agency dedicated to aiding disabled individuals plan and engage in travel while ensuring their needs are met. She addressed Rowan students at the assembly Thursday, providing crucial insight into the ins and outs of traveling with a disability. In particular, Vallero emphasized the value of planning ahead before travel, to ensure necessary accommodations required by disabled individuals can or will be met at particular places along the journey.

“Making sure that you have the right accommodations, that you need for your every day, maybe it’s getting dressed, using the restrooms, or showering, those things you have to make sure that you have to make sure that that’s available for you, because you’re leaving your comfort zone in your home where you have all those,” said Vallero.

Throughout the duration of her speech, Vallero continuously reiterated that, despite minor hurdles, going abroad with a disability is still very much possible.

“Never say you can’t, it’s always, always you can,” said Vallero. “It’s an amazingly valuable experience, and always remember you can.”

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email features@thewhitonline.com