Attitude Toward Disabilities

In general, French culture is not as sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities as American culture. However, the government has official policies and laws regarding equality of rights, and the population is becoming increasingly aware of individuals with disabilities.

Classroom and Academics

There is a disability services office on the campus. The services are free to students registered at the Université Paul-Valéry (this does not include students on short-term programs).

The DS website for Université Paul-Valéry can be found at: http://www.univ-montp3.fr/saeh/index.htm (in French only)

Students typically spend 15 to 20 hours per week in class. Course material and assessments can vary depending on the course. Adaptive technology and adapted course material are available through Université Paul-Valéry’s disability service. Other accommodations that could be available include providing scribes for note taking, recording lectures (with instructor consent), arranging for separate rooms or extra time to take exams, or allowing service dogs in the classroom. Sign language interpreters could be available, but keep in mind that they do not use American Sign Language in France!

Previously the study abroad program in Montpellier has hosted a blind student, several students with dyslexia, and several students with various psyhiatric disabilities. Each case is handled individually. The disposition and flexibility of each student has been a major factor in their success.

Excursions and Field Trips

Excursions are optional on the Montpellier program and are generally not wheelchair-accessible. However, accessible transportation is available and it may be possible to recruit fellow students to assist an individual with a disability. Most group excursions require a considerable amount of walking or other strenuous activity (e.g. hiking or skiing). Sign language interpreters are virtually non-existent outside of the classroom. Other organizations in the community provide excursions specifically for individuals with disabilities and could be explored further for interested students.

Housing and Food Services

Three housing options are offered: homestay, dorm, or apartment. Wheelchair accessible houses or apartments are unlikely to be found. A student needing accessible housing would most likely be placed in an accessible dorm room, which is subject to availability. Accessible dorm rooms are generally more likely to be available in the Fall semester. Service dogs could be allowed in sponsored housing.

Student cafeterias are wheelchair accessible but there is rarely assistance for reading menus, cutting food, or carrying trays. Special dietary needs (beyond a few vegetarian options) are not provided in student cafeterias.

Technology

Computer labs with Internet access are available on campus for students. There are no TTYs available on campus. Many adaptive technologies (scanner, Braille printer, text magnification software, large screen for magnified print, cassette tape recorder, and adaptive keyboard and mouse) are available on campus, but certain items, such as speech output software, voice recognition systems, and Braille’n’Speak note-taking device, are not.

Library Services

Students have access to the University’s library. The library facilities are (or could be made) wheelchair accessible, and assistance could be available to help access library materials.

Transportation

Public transportation in Montpellier (city buses and tram lines), runs daily from about 5am to 1am. A local organization for the disabled provides wheelchair-accessible van service within city limits for a reasonable fee. Distances to and from classes vary depending on the housing option and whether or not the selected classes are all held on the primary campus.

Transportation information for individuals with disabilities provides detailed information for public transit in France.

Health Services
A nurse is available on the University’s campus. Most clinics are wheelchair accessible, though some older practices are located in old buildings without elevators. Students are encouraged to use their host family’s doctor, so it would be advisable to be familiar with the facilities upfront. Some English-speaking physicians may be available, but their proficiency may be limited. It is unlikely that adequate counseling services would be available in English. Sign language interpreters are not necessarily available at health care facilities.

Web Resources
For a comprehensive list of disability organizations visit Mobility International’s database.

Last modified on March 6, 2009