Program Pages
Attitudinal
The attitude in Spain and Madrid is generally 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. People in Madrid are known to be kind and there is an attitude of mutual care and solidarity. Most Spaniards are aware of the accessibility needs and difficulties that may be presented in historical buildings and on old streets.
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 center in Madrid and classroom spaces can be made wheelchair-accessible by arranging classes on the ground floor. There are ramps to enter the ground floor main entrance and a wheelchair accessible bathroom.
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 advanced syllabi are usually available. Lectures can usually be recorded.
Service dogs are allowed in the Fundacion Ortega-Marañón center via a documented Accommodation Request. 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
Three housing options are offered on our Madrid programs.
Homestay: Homestays are not wheelchair-accessible. No TTY’s are available. Personal kitchen usage may be limited, but refrigeration is available. Service dogs may be allowed in select homestays. Common areas (living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens) are shared amongst other household occupants.
Shared Apartment: Certain apartments may be wheelchair-accessible. No TTY’s are available. Kitchen facilities are available for personal use, and refrigeration is available, but the kitchen and cooking utensils are shared amongst all other apartment occupants. Service dogs may be allowed in select apartments. Common areas (living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens) are shared amongst other students.
Dormitory: Certain dormitories are 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 dormitory. Students will have a private living space and private bathroom.
The dormitory can accommodate certain special dietary needs, such as vegetarian and gluten-free, with advance notice and a discussion of expectations. Meals included in the dormitory are provided in a cafeteria setting which may or may not have cross-contamination risks.
Library & Technology
Printing and course materials are available at the program center. Public libraries are located throughout the city and have staff to support photocopying and accessibility.
Computers with email access, adaptive keyboards, and voice recognition software can be available. Internet access is available in all program housing options and across the Fundación building campus.
Health Services
Students have access to UofM international health insurance to see a wide variety of English-speaking providers in the city, as well as ADESLAS—a private Spanish health insurance. Madrid is a large, international city that has providers in all specialties with the ability to set-up appointments and support before arrival.
Transportation
While some public buses and many metro stations are wheelchair accessible and transportation is close to campus, you may have difficulty navigating the historic and bustling streets of Madrid with a physical disability. Adapted taxis are available with advance reservation. The closest accessible metro station to the Fundacion Ortega-Marañón center is Sol, about a 9 minute walk.
Some monuments and excursions offer adapted access, but it will vary based on term and site. Details and limitations would be communicated to students in advance.