Infrastructure of Copenhagen
Daily life at DIS includes navigating Copenhagen. Overall, there is some infrastructure to help accommodate individuals with disabilities in the city.
General observations to consider:
- Copenhagen, as with many other European cities, has a medieval city center with cobblestoned-streets and narrow sidewalks. Curb cuts exist throughout Copenhagen, but not consistently, and wheelchair ramps are rare
- There are traffic signals at major crosswalks in Copenhagen, many of which have auditory signal, but not all
- Many buildings have steep stairs and elevators are nearly non-existent outside of hotels and shopping malls
- All students have a commute (walking, biking, or by public transit) between housing and class. Many train stations in Denmark have elevators or are otherwise accessible. Buses are technically accessible, though DIS has received reports of bus drivers not always providing this service
DIS Copenhagen Buildings
DIS consists of administrative offices, classrooms, and a library, which are within a few blocks of each other in central Copenhagen. Many of these buildings do not have elevators, and it is not possible to install an elevator as the buildings are listed as Danish National Heritage buildings. Most staircases are steeper than you may be used to in the U.S., and sometimes it is necessary to climb many flights of stairs to reach a destination. There are no wheelchair ramps leading into or within DIS Copenhagen buildings.
Students enrolled in a course that requires learning in spaces outside of DIS should discuss those facilities in detail with DIS.
Infrastructure of Stockholm
Daily life at DIS includes navigating Stockholm. Overall, there is some infrastructure to help accommodate individuals with disabilities in the city under Sweden’s Disability Policy – you can read more about this policy here.
General observations to consider:
- Stockholm, as with many other European cities, has a medieval city center with cobblestoned streets and narrow sidewalks. Curb cuts exist throughout Stockholm, but not consistently. Wheelchair ramps are common, though not consistently available
- There are traffic signals at major crosswalks in Stockholm, many of which have auditory signals
- Many buildings, both old and new, have steep stairs. Often newer buildings are equipped with elevators
- All students have a commute (walking, biking, or by public transit) between housing and class. Find details on public transportation accessibility posted here to understand metro and bus options.
DIS Stockholm Buildings
DIS consists of administrative offices and classrooms, all of the same building shared with a local university.
The main doors into the building are accessible via ramp and with electronic doors. Floors throughout the building include tactile markers and signs include Braille. All parts of DIS Stockholm are accessible by elevator.
Students enrolled in a course that requires learning in spaces outside of DIS should discuss those facilities in detail with DIS.
Other Relevant Information to Consider
Academics and Learning Accommodations
DIS is primarily an academic program and all students must abide by DIS Academic Regulations. Students who receive learning accommodations on their home campus can often receive similar accommodations at DIS.
Consider the following general guidance:
- Previous students have received accommodations including assistance with note taking, extra test time or a reduced credit load
- Reading technology (including braille printers or captioning) and audio version of course materials are not available, though DIS has successfully had students provide their own or partnered with students and their home schools to find creative solutions to providing access to courses and course materials
- Danish and Swedish Sign Languages are similar but not exactly the same as American sign language – read about Danish Sign Language here and about Swedish Sign Language here
Field Studies and Study Tours
Field studies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, and study tours in Europe are core parts of the academic experience at DIS. Read more about field studies here and study tours here.
Consider the following:
- Field studies and study tours can be particularly challenging for students with mobility disabilities as they involve travel, tight schedules, and a lot of walking around cities, museums, historical sites, etc.
- Generally, there are not alternative activities available for those who are not able to participate in any activity while on tour
Housing and Food Services
DIS students have a number of choices for housing and the ability to accommodate specific needs will differ depending on housing preferences. Read about DIS Housing here. Consider the following:
- At DIS Stockholm and DIS Copenhagen, housing options are spread throughout the two cities
- In Copenhagen, there are a few Kollegiums and Residential Communities that have elevators. However, there are no housing options in the center of the city/near DIS that have elevators, so elevator access comes with a commute
- In Stockholm, all Residential Communities and Studentboende have elevators. However, all require a commute via public transport to DIS
- Each housing offers different options for access to meals, yet none provide a full meal plan so students will have to cook or purchase at least some of their own meals
- At DIS Stockholm, students can utilize the canteen in the building to purchase meals and refreshments if they choose
- Though DIS has been able to accommodate documented health/disability needs for single rooms, private kitchens and private bathrooms, our ability to do so is limited by the number of rooms that provide this option at both locations