Erasmus+ offers additional support for students and staff with disabilities (potential participants whose individual physical, mental or health-related situation is such that their participation in mobility would not be possible without extra financial support) and for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The universities featured in this case study have demonstrated a high level of commitment to equal access for individuals undertaking mobility.
International cooperation and exchange experience play an important role in understanding how persons with disabilities can be supported. Learning from other institutions, the Disability Coordinator helps the University to develop support services, including adjustments to learning and communication materials and the physical environment. Arrangements for individuals are made, in close cooperation with the student and their faculty.
Universities can ensure that mobile students and staff are fully integrated, comfortable and able to maximise the benefits of their experiences.
To ensure that a person whose individual physical, mental or health-related conditions are such that his/her participation in Erasmus+ would not be possible without extra financial support can take full advantage of European mobility arrangements, Erasmus+ pays particular attention to guidance, reception, physical accessibility, pedagogical and technical support services, and, especially, financing the extra costs.
Additional funding is available for participants with physical, mental or health-related conditions via the Erasmus+ special needs support. Erasmus+ grants may therefore be higher than the regular study, traineeship or staff grants to offset the specific difficulties faced by the participant (such as adapted accommodation, travel assistance, medical attendance, supportive equipment, adaption of learning material, an accompanying person for students and staff with disabilities). This additional support grant is a contribution based on real costs.
In preparation of the Erasmus+ mobility period, a participant with physical, mental or health-related conditions should indicate her/his needs and extra costs in order to apply for the Erasmus+ special needs support grant with the support of their sending higher education institution.
Ask the Erasmus+ coordinator of your sending higher education institution about the application procedure (application deadline, where you can obtain the application form, where to submit your application form etc.).
If you are a student with disabilities and would like to study abroad with Erasmus+, check this new platform out: inclusivemobility.eu. You will find dedicated information about studying abroad and host universities.
You can also contact the international office of your university. They can help you to identify the host university that is closer to your interests and most suitable to your needs.
In general, your sending higher education institution should ensure that the necessary arrangements are being made at the receiving institution to meet your specific needs, provided that you have disclosed your physical, mental or health-related conditions.
To find out more on the sort of facilities available at your receiving higher education institution before going abroad, you can get into direct contact with the person who is responsible for these matters at your prospective receiving higher education institution. The international relations office of your sending university should be able to assist you.
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