Learning Abroad Center

Accessibility: Study & Intern in Buenos Aires

Program Page

Learn about Study & Intern in Buenos Aires.

Attitudinal

Argentinians are gradually becoming aware of the needs of people with disabilities. This growing awareness is slowly being seen in the development of public policies aimed towards equity, however the city of Buenos Aires is not well accessible for individuals with mobility disabilities. Argentinians in general are very helpful. A lot of improvements have been made in the past decade. Many companies are hiring employees with disabilities, and new buildings and transportation are taking into consideration the needs of the disabled.

In the past, participation on this program have included students with learning disabilities, psychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolarity and students with illnesses such as lupus, diabetes, celiac condition and heart condition. Appointments with doctors have been offered to the students, and their cases have been closely followed by the staff. Special environments for exams, modified deadlines, extra tutoring are  available to students with these needs. However, the program is most concerned about students with severe mobility disabilities (those needing wheelchairs) or severe visual impairment because of lack of apartments or homestays that can accommodate a wheelchair and the lack of available Braille material.

Classrooms and Academics

disability services office is available to students in Spanish. This public service is free.

Students are typically in class 5-6 hours per day or 24-27 hours per week. Out of class hours are 2-4 hours a week per course, except Spanish (6-8 hours per week).  Students are expected to learn class material from textbooks, teachers’ booklets, lectures, readings, video and independent research. Assessment varies according to the course. For English taught courses there are papers, midterms and presentations; for Spanish courses, assessment is based on adequate participation, homework, tests and oral presentations. Homework is typically completed by computer and handwritten. 

Classroom accommodations available to students are: note takers, recorded lectures, separate room to take exams, extra time to complete exams, sign language interpreters (extra cost) and service dogs are allowed in the classroom. 

Excursions and Field Trips

The only mandatory excursions are visits to museums for the art course. If needed, transportation could be provided. Most museums have access for individuals with disabilities. All other trips for this program involve transportation by bus and not much walking is needed.

Housing and Food Services

Apartments and homestays in Buenos Aires are not set up for students using a wheelchair. Students staying in homestays travel between 10-30 minutes on public transportation from their housing to Fundacion.  Students staying in apartments are 400 metres away from the Fundacion (walking distance).

Technology

Computer labs are available and wheelchair accessible. The internet is available to students. Updated Braille material is very limited.

Library Services

Library facilities are available and wheelchair accessible.

Transportation

Buenos Aires is not easily accessible for students with mobility disabilities