Program Pages
Attitudinal
The attitude in Spain and Toledo is one of solidarity with people with any type of disability. In general, although it is a non-denominational state, the Christian and religious concept of charity and care for others prevails in Spain and Spanish culture integrates and supports people with disabilities.
The Spanish National Organization of the Blind, commonly referred to as ONCE, is an organization that provides information regarding vision impairment and other disabilities. ONCE has provided training for some of the Toledo program faculty, and they also provide partially subsidized services for alternate formats, readers, and textbook taping.
The government does have specific legislation and policies regarding individuals with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda deals with disability-related legislation and concerns. Law 51/2003 (December 2, 2003) specifies equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and universal accessibility for people with disabilities to ensure their rights and access.
Classroom/Internship Site
The Fundacion Ortega-Marañón in Toledo and classroom buildings are not wheelchair-accessible. Materials can be provided in alternate formats (large print, accessible PDF, computer disk) with advance notice. Accommodations such as extended time on tests, separate examination spaces, modified assignments and deadlines, and advance syllabi are usually available. Lectures can usually be recorded.
Service dogs are not allowed in classrooms and no Braille signage is in place. If you require the use of a sign language interpreters, the on-site staff will look into providing these services if needed for the program. Induction loops are not available and captioned videos can rarely be obtained unless automated via a built-in online provider.
Housing and Food Services
The dormitory is not wheelchair-accessible. No TTY’s are available, but the dormitory does have a visual alert system in select rooms. Kitchen facilities are not available for personal use, but refrigeration is available. Service dogs are not allowed in the Fundación or dormitory.
The dormitory can accommodate certain special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, with advance notice and a discussion of expectations. Homestay families have been known to accommodate a slightly wider range of dietary needs such as Kosher and Halal on a case by case basis and based on family availability each term.
A single or shared apartment may be available under very special circumstances in consultation with the Disability Resource Center.
Transportation
While some public buses are wheelchair accessible and transportation is close to campus, you will have difficulty navigating the hilly, cobblestone streets of Toledo with a wheelchair. In general, it is extremely difficult to navigate the city center of Toledo with a physical disability, and there is no elevator in the program center. If you have a physical disability, you may want to consider an alternative program location.
Library & Technology
The Fundación has a small library onsite with support staff, printing, and course materials. A public library is located in the city and has staff to support photocopying and accessibility.
Computers with email access, adaptive keyboards, and voice recognition software are available. Internet access is available in all program housing options and across the Fundación building campus.
Health Services
A general health care provider visits the center weekly to see students. You also have access to UofM international health insurance to see a wide variety of providers in the city, as well as ADESLAS—a private Spanish health insurance.