The program requires sitting, standing, and moving across uneven terrain both in urban and rural areas. The program operates Monday through Friday and may include weekend activities.
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We are happy to assist students with documented reasonable accommodation needs through an interactive, case-by-case process involving the student, Learning Abroad Center, on-site staff, home school (when applicable), and the Disability Resource Center.
Program Page
Learn about MSID—Ecuador.
Attitudinal
In general there is full integration of people with disabilities, especially in rural areas. People with disabilities are recognized as full members of the group, although in urban areas there may be a loss of the solidarity that is seen in rural areas. People with disabilities do work, although they may have greater difficulties finding employment. The current government is implementing a program to improve employment placement for people with disabilities.
Classroom/Internship Site
Students typically spend 4 hours a day in class and an additional 4 hours outside of class on assignments. Learning activities include lectures, readings, field trips, videos, presentations, class participation, written exams and reports. Homework is typically typed; computer facilities are available for student use.
Accommodations such as recording lectures, special testing facilities, extra time on assignments, and allowing service dogs into classrooms could be available.
There are no existing services for converting materials to alternate formats. Note-taking services may be hired. There are trained sign language interpreters in Ecuador, but they do not use ASL and must also be hired. Induction loops are not available, but captioned videos sometimes are.
The Fundacion Cimas building is not wheelchair accessible.
Excursions and Field Trips
Most excursions involve riding in a bus and walking. However, the staff is very open to exploring possibilities such as providing extra support during excursions and identifying alternative activities.
Internships
Finding an internship site that is wheelchair accessible may be difficult. However, plenty of support would be offered. Accommodation requests should be sent to the LAC several months before the program begins.
Housing and Food Services
Program participants are housed in homestays, and program staff could recruit a family willing and able to accommodate a student with a disability. Transportation, housing, classroom and dining facilities are in close proximity to one another, but again wheelchair accessibility is a problem.
Technology
Computers with Internet access are available to students. Also, wireless access is provided for students who bring their own computers. Assistive technology such a Braille printer, screen magnification software, and Kuzweil 3000, is not available.
Library Services
There is a small library on site that is located on the ground floor. Assistance could be available to help access the library materials.
Transportation
The bus system is widely available and runs very frequently, but is not wheelchair accessible. Taxis are most convenient and recommended to students with mobility disabilities (an average fare is approximately one dollar).