Attitudinal

Traditionally, the cultural attitude towards individuals with disabilities has been caring, with lots of familial and societal support. People with disabilities participate in daily activities including work, school, etc. The government has official policies in place regarding individuals with disabilities. There is not a disability services office on campus or in the community. Most roads do not have sidewalks and most public buildings do not have access ramps, elevators, or other accessible facilities. Individuals with mobility disabilities may have difficulties given the structure of the MSID India program and the realities of India in general. India, and particularly the MSID program which is based on experiential learning, has limitations in terms of accessibility, health facilities, support services and infrastructure.

It is important that students disclose their disability in advance so that proper arrangements could be made.

Bringing a service dog would not be possible, as quarantine rules would require a dog to be quarantined for longer than the duration of the program.

Classroom and Internship

Students typically spend 4-6 hours a day in class and about 4 hours a day on readings, assignments, interaction with their host family and local culture. Student’s learning is assessed through written work/papers, individual and group presentations, class participation, and exams. Internship-related work is typically reviewed by the internship NGO. Homework is handwritten and typed.

Classroom accommodations could include identifying volunteer note takers, allowing lectures to be recorded, allowing service dogs into the classroom, and arranging for a separate room or extra time to take exams. Sign language interpreters are not available.

The internship component of the program involves working on site for a six-week period, where computers and telephones may not be available. City-based internships may have rooms available on the ground floor, but options may still be limited. Neither elevators nor wheelchair access can be assured in Jaipur / Rajasthan.

Excursions and Field Trips

Fieldtrips use 8 and 10-seat vans that are not designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Housing and Food Services

All students are housed with host families. The MSID staff could try to identify suitable homes and host families that could provide appropriate accommodations.

Technology

Students have access to a limited number of computers with Internet access. Currently there is no assistive technology (e.g. Braille printer, screen magnification software, etc.) on-site. It may be possible to acquire the necessary technology, but the student would have to deal with issues like local power outages.

Library Services

Students have access to library facilities and could find assistance in accessing library materials.

Transportation

Students have to travel 5-20 minutes (walking) between housing and class. Cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and public buses are also available, but none of the public transportation is wheelchair accessible.

Last modified on November 21, 2008