Support for Students with Disabilities

Basic Policy for Use of Sophia University’s Academic Support for Students with Disabilities

Basic Philosophy

Sophia University prides itself in upholding on the Jesuit educational spirit of “For Others, With Others” and believing all are equal in the human dignity we deserve. We also believe that all students should continue to grow and develop to their fullest potential to be of service to others.

In addition to these principles, based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, Sophia University will provide “Reasonable Accommodation”* to students with disabilities based on discussions between the student and the university to eliminate unfair and discriminatory treatment of students with disabilities and to enable them to pursue their studies and research with the fewest obstacles.

The University also aim for all students to be able to deepen their understanding of disabilities, practice better understanding of other’s views, and to realize a harmonious society with participation from all members.

※What is “Reasonable Accommodation?”
Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines disability as “necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on and equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms”
In the case of support for students with disabilities, this means changes and/or adjustments made by the university towards ensuring that students with disabilities are not prevented from the environment and information necessary to undergo their studies, experiments, practical training, etc., as well as changes or adjustments made to appropriately judge their level of learning in the evaluation processes.

Support Eligibility

Students who are enrolled in Sophia University and have significant restrictions regarding the environment and information necessary for their studies due to their disabilities.
The basic range of support includes help in classes, practical training, examinations,university events,etc.

Objectives of Our Support

Among the competencies that are required of all students, and those necessary during university and post-graduation, three items in particular are taken up and set forth as goals for the support of students with disabilities:

The Ability to Request Assistance

Being able to ask for advice and seek necessary assistance when in need

Self-Understanding and Awarness

Know your strengths and weaknesses to deepen your self-confidence and explore what a fulfilling life means to you

The Ability to Devise

To increase the challenges you can face alone, change your point of view, gather information, and discover your own way.

Procedures

  1. Consultation request
  2. Hearing by the Wellness Center (in charge of support for students with disabilities)
  3. Acceptance of application for study support
  4. In person consultation (by the relevant department)
  5. In person consultation (by the relevant department)
  6. Review of arrangement decision

Procedural information for current students can be found at Web Piloti.

Support and Arrangement Examples

For All Disabilities

Arrangements for practical classes (e.g., physical education), support such as providing class notes

Visual Impairment

Electronic data and enlarged photocopies of teaching materials, extended time for examinations, arrangements for different response methods and for seat assignments

Hearing Impairment

Arrangement of listening tests and seat assignments, support for ensuring information is received in lectures (use of UD Talk)

Physical Disabilities

Improve facilities and equipment, change classrooms, rent lockers, arrange a waiting area for caregivers

Developmental and Mental Disabilities

Adjustments to the study environments, such as seating, etc.

※The above are limited examples. Actual support and accommodations will be considered and adjusted on an individual need basis that reflects the situation and needs of each student with disabilities.

Inquiries

Wellness Center Support for Students with Disabilities

Email Address

with_others-co@sophia.ac.jp

※Please feel free to request any arrangements needed to be able to make an email based consultation

Phone Number

03-3238-4088

Sophia University

For Others, With Others