If you have a severe disability or exceptional special needs then you may be entitled to extra funding to cover associated costs on your Erasmus placement. If you are already at an Institution of Higher Education, then contact the Erasmus co-ordinator for further details as they are responsible for ensuring all the necessary paperwork is completed and arrangements are made at the host institution to meet the needs of the student.

Students who need to apply for a special needs allowance should do so via their home Institution before the start of the academic year in which the mobility activity is scheduled to take place.

Read a case study from Zoe Maclean, a student who didn't let her disability stop her from taking part and studying in Spain. You may also find some helpful information from some of the sites below:

The European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education is a unique organisation in the field of special needs education: an independent, self governing organisation supported by the Ministries of Education in 15 participating EU countries.

The ultimate objective of all disability related activities at the European Commission is to promote equality of opportunities and to facilitate access to rights for all people with disabilities. Their site includes news and useful guides and forms.

SKILL is the National Bureau for Students with disabilities that promotes opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment across the UK.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

"The additional financial support that Erasmus provides for students with disabilities and other support needs helps to ensure that the programme remains inclusive and open to everyone. In our experience, the supplementary allowances have funded carers and guardians to accompany students who would otherwise face significant barriers to studying abroad. Similarly, the funding has provided for in-country note-taking provision and extra baggage allowance at the airport for transporting heavy items necessary to enable a student with a disability to continue with their daily routine and to study successfully abroad."
Bangor University