Program Page
Learn about Study & Intern in Florence or Art & Design in Florence.
Attitudinal
Italians are generally accepting and accommodating of people with disabilities. Article 3 of the Italian constitution states that all Italian citizens are equal by law without discrimination based on sex, race, language, religion, political stance, and personal and social conditions. In 1992, a law was passed that guarantees respect for human dignity for people with disabilities. The law is designed to remove obstacles and introduces resources to assist people with disabilities in education and training. In 1999, an additional law was passed that states that companies with more than 15 employees are required to include people with disabilities in their workforce.
Physical Accessibility of Florence
While there is legal and attitudinal support for people with disabilities, the physical space of Italy is still hard to navigate. Given Florence’s narrow sidewalks, uneven cobblestone streets, and old buildings, the majority of sites and places of interest are not physically accessible.
The majority of buildings in central Florence were built more than 500 years ago and cannot be made fully accessible due to architectural limitations. For example, even if elevators are available, there may be at least a few steps leading to the elevator without ramps. Due to limited space, elevators may be small and inaccessible to a person in a wheelchair. Many main building doors must be opened manually.
Classroom and Academics
You’ll typically be in class 4–7 hours per day depending on the courses, with approximately 10–12 hours per week of homework. How you learn the course material is greatly dependent on the class and professor, but classes generally include a mix of in-class lectures as well as opportunities to engage with Florence through experiential learning (site visits, excursions, and guest lectures). Course materials are a mix of books, PDFs, paper handouts, and videos. Attendance in all classes is required and a part of the final grade. Course assignments generally include a combination of weekly assignments and quizzes, a midterm exam and/or paper, a final exam or paper, and group projects and presentations. Many classrooms require handwritten notes in class, but homework is generally computer based.
Academic accommodations available to students may include:
- Recorded lectures (with instructor consent)
- Private room for exams
- Extra time for exams
- Reasonable flexibility with attendance and assignment due dates
- Syllabi provided in advance
- Sign language interpreters
- Guide dogs for visually impaired students allowed in the classroom
- Food, cell phones, and laptops allowed in the classroom for students with an approved accommodation
Excursions and Field Trips
Some excursions in Florence may be difficult to access for students with a mobility disability. Many group excursions require a considerable amount of walking and may also include other strenuous activity. In many cases, headsets are used during guided excursions of museums or other sites. If you have a hearing impairment, you can either use your hearing device or a dedicated headset.
Housing & Meals
You’ll choose between an apartment and a homestay. A small number of apartments are suitable for students with minor physical disabilities or sensory impairments; however, most homestays would not be suitable. In the apartments, there are no dining facilities, so you can either cook your own meals or dine out at restaurants. All housing options are within a 30-minute bus ride to classes. Single rooms may be available with a documented and approved accommodation.
Technology
A number of computers are available in the program’s center, and all housing accommodations have wireless Internet. There is no assistive technology available.
Library Services
Library facilities are available and assistance to access library materials is available.
Transportation
Public transportation in Florence includes city buses and a tram, which runs daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. A late-night bus service is also available, which runs irregularly until about midnight. The majority of buses are wheelchair accessible. There is also a local disability organization that provides wheelchair-accessible van service for a reasonable fee. Distance to and from classes will vary depending on the housing option.
Health Services
English-speaking physicians and counseling services are readily available in Florence. UofM international insurance is comprehensive and will work with you individually to set up payments and appointments. It is important to plan ahead for any medications that may be required for your time abroad. Some medications, such as those used to treat ADHD, are not prescribed in Italy.
Emotional Support Animals
In Italy, laws around service animals are different than those in the US. The only recognized animals for service are guide dogs for visually impaired people. These are allowed in most places, but it also varies by region. Emotional support animals or service animals that provide support for other disabilities besides visual impairment are not recognized or allowed any special status.