In 2016, the Disability Discrimination Act（障害者差別解消法） was adopted to prohibit discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation* as a legal obligation. To address this matter, as of April 1, 2016, Kyushu University established the 'Regulations Concerning the Promotion to Eliminate Discrimination on the Basis of Disability at Kyushu University' and the 'Implementation Guidelines for the Promotion to Eliminate Discrimination on the Basis of Disability,' to promote support for people with disabilities as a university that is open to society. (For more details on the support system for people with disabilities at the university, please refer to the relevant section.)

* Definition of “reasonable accommodation” is;

changes or adjustments that take into account disability status, gender, age, etc., within the scope that does not change the essence of education, in order to ensure equal opportunities for people with and without disabilities (including chronic and incurable diseases) to study.

○Students subject to reasonable accommodation

These are students with problems such as developmental disabilities, mental disorders, and infirmities and frailties, even though some of them are difficult to recognize at first glance as having disabilities. Some may even appear to be disruptive students with a problematic attitude. However, such students may actually be those in need of reasonable accommodation.

The Student Diversity Handbook (see next below) provides information on the symptoms, causes, and academic difficulties of five disabilities/disorders that may be difficult to identify at first glance.

*The Student Diversity Handbook

　https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/f/39421/pamphlet_200427.pdf

○The flow of academic support for students with disabilities

Upon receiving a request from a student with a disability, we will request the faculty member in charge of the class to provide reasonable accommodation during classes and examinations. In order to do so, please follow the procedures 1 to 8 below in accordance with the flow of support in each department. In such cases, consultation (constructive dialogue) between students and the faculty members is necessary, so please respond when you are contacted by a reasonable accommodation coordinator (KIKAN education) or faculty members in charge of academic affairs for each department.

Reasonable Accommodation Web System
https://rasys.kyushu-u.ac.jp/

1. Consultation from a student

A student should first consult with the Support Section for Inclusion.

2. Application for 'Reasonable Accommodation Request Form' by the student

The student meets with the person in charge of the Support Section for Inclusion and prepares a request form for reasonable accommodation regarding a class, examination, or daily life.

The Support Section for Inclusion conducts interviews from the perspective of the disabilities characteristics and the rationality of the content of consideration to assist in the preparation of the application.

3. Discussion on reasonable accommodation in the department.

The 'Considerations for Classes and Examinations' section of the submitted form will be notified to the department responsible for the courses, and the 'Considerations for Daily Life' section will be notified to the department to which the student belongs. Each department will then discuss the details of the accommodations.

4. Decision and Notification of Reasonable Accommodation

Once the details of the accommodation have been decided by the person in charge (e.g. the head of the department), the faculty member in charge of the class will be notified of the request for consideration.

5. Written constructive dialogue regarding the content of the accommodation

The faculty member in charge of the class will decide whether or not to implement the accommodations listed, based on the purpose and content of the class. The result will be sent to the student via the department. The result will be one of the following: possible to implement, no opportunity to implement, needs to be considered, or impossible to implement.　

6. Additional constructive dialogue

If the student wishes to engage in constructive dialogue about the matter that was answered as "Needs to be considered" or "Impossible to implement," a discussion will be held based on the educational goals and methods of each class subject, and through mutual understanding, a consensus will be formed and the content of accommodation will be determined.

7. Implementation of accommodation

The faculty member in charge of the class will implement the accommodation through constructive dialogue.If there is any preparation necessary for the implementation of consideration, you can discuss it with the appropriate section.

If the student have any dissatisfaction or questions regarding the decided accommodation, the student can file an appeal with the supervisor (the director in charge of inclusion).

8. Monitoring on the Implementation of Reasonable Accommodation for Academic Purposes (Faculty Monitoring)

To ensure appropriate provision of reasonable accommodation, semi-annual monitoring of the implementation status of reasonable accommodation is conducted for faculty and stuff and students. The results are shared with all departments through the Committee for Support for People with Disabilities.

○Accessibility Peer Supporter

The Accessibility Peer Supporter  are working to improve the accessibility of facilities and information on campus, and to provide support for students with disabilities. Students from a wide range of faculties and graduate schools are participating, and they are carrying out activities that make use of their respective areas of expertise.

(1) Support activities: creation of barrier-free maps, information sharing such as note-taking using computers at classes, and mobility support.
(2) Awareness-raising activities: awareness-raising publicity via X (formerly: Twitter), Facebook, website (https://qupeersuporter.wordpress.com/), creating posters, etc.
　　　　　　X Account　@q_peersupporter
(3) Training activities: computer note-taking course, sign language course, sighted guide training course, wheelchair skills training program, participation in camps organized by the Accessibility Leader Promotion Consortium and symposiums held by the Postsecondary Education Programs Network of Japan (PEPNet-Japan), etc.

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Long-Term Completion System for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities or illnesses that limit their ability to study are eligible for the "Long-Term Completion System".

For students with disabilities who are unable to complete their studies even after the application of the long-term completion system, the " Implementation of the Kyushu University Long-Term Completion System for Students with Disabilities (Guidelines)" has been established. Each faculty/graduate school can determine the extension of the period of study as a reasonable accomondation based on a common understanding in accordance with these guidelines.