All students should be able to experience a work/study placement abroad, and Erasmus+ is setup to ensure that it is 100% inclusive, for students with all types of physical or mental challenges.
The Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education is a contract signed by every higher education institution involved in the programme. This contract details information on being as inclusive as possible, especially including students facing physical, mental or other health-related challenges. The higher education institutions involved must ensure that these students enjoy equal access and opportunities related to studying or working abroad, with support services made available to those with very specific needs.
Financial Assistance Available for Additional Expenses Incurred
Furthermore, some students facing these types of challenges necessitate additional financial assistance to access Erasmus+. Erasmus+ is fully equipped to provide guidance, physical accessibility, pedagogical and technical support services, also offering financial assistance for any additional expenses incurred.
There are available grants accessible through Erasmus+ Inclusion Support. These types of grants are in addition to study, traineeship or staff grants, for example. They cover adapted accommodation, travel assistance, medical care, supportive equipment, adapted learning material and chaperones (where necessary for those with severe disabilities). All expenses are therefore covered to make sure that the programme is as inclusive as possible.
Clearly Outline Your Needs and Disclose Physical, Mental or Health-Related Conditions
To apply for these types of grants, students with mental, physical or other conditions must clearly outline their needs, and factor in any additional costs. They should also seek assistance from their sending education provider (school, college, university or other). The educational institutions involved should have an Erasmus+ coordinator who is able to provide detail on application procedure, deadlines and how to submit. In fact, it is up to the sending institution to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made at the receiving institutions, to take into account the students’ needs, and that full disclosure is made of any physical, mental or health-related conditions. If you want to find out more, we would suggest contacting relevant personnel at your receiving institution or seek guidance from your own sending university’s international relations’ office.
For other information and assistance, it’s worth contacting your own National Agency, or The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, which provides comprehensive resources and contacts across EU/EEA countries in order to help students with special educational needs. Alternatively, you could get in touch with our team by clicking here.
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