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CCY 3910 6.0 - Children, Youth & Accessibility: Local and Global Perspectives

Due to the evolving security situation in Madagascar, which has prompted the Government of Canada to raise the travel advisory for the country to a Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) and suspend operations at the Canadian Consulate in Antananarivo, CCY 3910 has been postponed until Summer 2027. York University does not sanction travel to countries with travel advisories at a Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) or 4 (avoid all travel). You can see more information about the travel advisory and security risks. We encourage you to consider applying to one of our other study abroad courses for Summer 2026. Please contact the study abroad team at studyabr@yorku.ca if you have any questions.

Course examines the diverse experiences of children and young people living with disabilities and access needs across cultural, political, and social contexts, with a particular focus on Madagascar. Grounded in children’s rights, accessibility, and critical disability studies, the course interrogates how Western constructs of embodiment, disability, and ability intersect—and at times collide—with non-Western perspectives and practices of childhood and inclusion.  

Students begin with case studies and critical readings that trace historical precedents, contemporary debates, and structural inequalities shaping the lives of children with disabilities globally. The course then moves to Nosy Be, Madagascar, where students engage in experiential learning with local schools and community organizations, including the Sunrise Centre for children with disabilities and Ny Fianarantsika, a school situated in a rock quarry. Through these immersive experiences, students will connect theory to practice, contribute to the daily activities of the school, critically evaluate support systems in resource-limited settings, and reflect on ethical and cultural dimensions of advocacy and inclusion.  

By combining interdisciplinary scholarship with cross-cultural, hands-on engagement in Madagascar, this course equips students with the analytical, ethical, and practical tools necessary to advance more inclusive and equitable practices for children and young people, locally and globally. 

Please note that applicants to this course may be interviewed by Prof. Kael Reid and are required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check from the Toronto Police Service at their own cost.

While on the small island of Nosy Be, CCY 3910 students will have the opportunity to visit, observe, provide support to, and help facilitate activities at schools Madagascar that serve people of all ages who experience accessibility and disability challenges. In addition to working with teachers and the young people attending these schools, students will also engage with the United Kingdom nonprofit, L.A.B. (Learn. Achieve. Become.), which funds and oversees programming at these schools. L.A.B. is a small organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals and communities in different communities around the globe through free education and sports projects. L.A.B.’s slogan 'education without boundaries' is reflective of their attitude: their services are open and accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, race, gender, religion, ability or social status.

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Postponed to 2027

Prerequisites: None. By permission of instructor for students outside of CCY.

Location: Nosy Be, Madagascar

Course Dates:
Postponed to 2027

Course Director:

Prof. Kael Reid, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities (kaelreid@yorku.ca).

Enrolment: Min. 10 students, max. 16 students

Course Details

Must be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, the presence of insects and small animals, and large animals on the streets.

Sleeping conditions can be either very hot and humid, or cool.

Must be prepared to walk or take tuk-tuks to get around (there is no transit system)

Must be prepared to be on site (schools) for 7 hours a day, Monday-Friday.

Must be willing to live with limited electricity and access to internet while in Madagascar.

Must be able to adapt to respect local cultural norms.

Must be willing to eat a diet that reflects local cultural norms (we can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but not all are possible)

Having a beginner’s grasp of French is an asset but not necessary

TBA

Please note that group airfare may be booked for all participants in CCY 3910. Participating students will be notified well ahead of time and the cost of the course program fee will increase with the additional of airfare.

Tourist visas are required for Canadian citizens staying in Madagascar for longer than 15 days. You can obtain a 30- or 60-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar.

Students are responsible for knowing Madagascar’s entry and exit requirements and ensuring they have the appropriate travel documents. Please refer to the Government of Canada’s travel advisories and information for Madagascar.

Program Costs

Cost		Details
Estimated Program Fee	$3,500 (based on 10 students)	Included in program fee: hotel accommodation in Nosy Be, transportation, all site visits and excursions, most meals, professor-related costs (travel, accommodations, meals, incidentals). **Program fee subject to change based on final number students and final course itinerary.
Additional Costs
Flights to/from Nosy Be	$2,500	Estimate. Depends on departure location and date of purchase.
Madagascar 30-day Tourist Visa	$60	Estimate. Depends on daily exchange rate. Required for Canadian citizens staying longer than 15 days.
Travel Vaccinations	$100	Estimate. Please consult with a travel clinic at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Guard.me Travel Insurance	$100	Estimate. Students are required to purchase Guard.me insurance.
Toronto Police Vulnerable Sector Check	$26.72
Spending money	$300	Variable. All students should budget additional funds for souvenirs, meals, and other personal expenses.
York University Tuition (Domestic)	$1,478.76	Approximate based on Summer 2025 LA&PS tuition fees for 6.0 credits. Subject to change.
York University Tuition (International)	$7,693.92	Approximate based on Summer 2025 LA&PS tuition fees for 6.0 credits. Subject to change.
Approximate Total Program Costs (estimated, subject to change)
Domestic Students		$8,065.48
International Students		$14,280.64

**Please note that group airfare may be booked for all participants in CCY 3910. Participating students will be notified well ahead of time and the cost of the course program fee will increase with the additional of airfare.