Part 29 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Disability Access Abroad
- Darien Wilson
- May 7, 2025
- 4 min read
What to Consider About Accessibility When Moving Abroad
I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 29 of my 31-part series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad.
Today’s topic is navigating life with a disability abroad, and how disability access abroad may look very different than what you're used to in the United States.
On a personal note: I am not disabled, but I do recognize that I’m probably pre-disabled. Most of us, if we live long enough, will experience some form of disability—whether due to aging, illness, or injury. That makes accessibility a critical part of long-term planning when moving abroad.
In the U.S., we often underestimate how much daily life is shaped by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These laws have been around since 1990—thirty-five years as I write this—so many Americans take these protections for granted. Ramps, elevators, curb cuts, service animal laws, and workplace accommodations in the U.S. certainly aren’t perfect—but they’re part of the culture and enforceable by law.
But that’s not the case everywhere.
Many countries simply weren’t built with accessibility in mind, in part because the infrastructure there is much older than the United States. In places like the Netherlands, you’ll find incredible innovations alongside major limitations:
Electric tricycles with cargo baskets
Wheelchair-bike hybrids
The cycling and public transit network are very wheelchair-friendly (and stroller friendly)
But also:
Steep staircases and no elevators
Public buses that don’t always accommodate wheelchairs
Historic buildings with narrow doorways and cobblestone sidewalks (beautiful, but not accessible to all)
Even schools aren’t always equipped for mobility challenges. I have seen a teenager on crutches attending a school with no elevator access.
Healthcare and Medication Access Abroad
Another factor to consider is healthcare—particularly if you rely on medication or ongoing treatment.
Because there are so many issues with American healthcare, many Americans assume that healthcare abroad is bound to be much better. And for many, that may be true - overall outcomes ARE better in many countries. But people with disabilities may be able to access a higher standard of care in the U.S. than they can abroad. As with many things, your mileage may vary as an American abroad, depending on your disability and your target country abroad.
Some medications that are common in the U.S. may be unavailable, restricted, or banned in other countries. For example, certain medications used to treat ADHD in the U.S. are forbidden in Japan.
Eligibility to immigrate can also be affected by health conditions. Some countries such as Australia limit migration for people with specific diagnoses or long-term medical needs. Disability access abroad will vary dramatically depending on your destination’s healthcare policies and immigration criteria.
Disability Access in Education May Look Very Different For Americans Living Abroad
If you have a child who needs extra support at school, educational access may be more complex you expect without the protections in IDEA that you may take for granted in the U.S.
In the Netherlands, for instance, children with higher support needs are often placed in specialized schools, as opposed to the U.S., where the goal is to place as many children as possible in mainstream classes. These schools for special needs children are taught entirely in Dutch, which makes sense—but can be a barrier for immigrant children who do not yet speak Dutch.
Most immigrant children start with a "newcomer" class to learn Dutch for a year or so. But these language immersion programs generally do not include additional support services for children with special needs such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. This can mean a child must first acquire language skills before receiving any accommodations—which can delay needed help.
As a parent of a child in the Dutch school system, information for parents from Dutch public schools will be in Dutch as well. Any information nights for parents will likely be held entirely in Dutch. Parent-teacher meetings may also be in Dutch. While most of my child's teachers have spoken English with us, some did not, and my intermediate Dutch meant those parent-teacher conferences were a bit awkward, and I didn't get as much information as I would have liked. My husband understood even less than I did.
If you are moving to the Netherlands with a special needs child, online support groups such as Amsterdam Mamas and Special Needs Families in the Netherlands can provide invaluable information.
You may think that choosing an international school will make life easier on your child, and while that could be true in the short term, it might make life more challenging for them as they age. As an immigrant, life is especially challenging if you don't speak the language of the country in which you live.
Find People Who’ve Been There
If accessibility is a factor for you or a loved one, it’s worth connecting with people who have already navigated this road in your destination country.
Look for:
Online forums
Local advocacy organizations
Local groups for expats or immigrants
This is one area where assumptions can lead to real hardship, so you would do well to ask a lot of questions.
Final Thought
Unfortunately, disability access abroad is inconsistent. Like almost everything about moving abroad, some aspects will impress you, and others will frustrate you. If you are already navigating midlife transitions, family responsibilities, and/or existing health conditions, taking on an international move can be extremely taxing. Learn as much as you can ahead of your move, and network as much as you can with those who have been there, to prepare yourself.
Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.
© 2025 Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved
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