Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

اسم الكاتب : Sakura Training Center

Advanced countries strive to provide higher education for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, training them and equipping them professionally to become independent, self-reliant, and active members of society. The aim of this study was to understand the vocational rehabilitation program for individuals with intellectual disabilities at the University of Tokyo in Japan. The researcher employed a descriptive approach using a survey method. Among the key findings was that the vocational rehabilitation program at the University of Tokyo focuses on providing suitable interests, vocational readiness, and personal capabilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as providing necessary employment opportunities in society for them after graduation. This is based on the identification of the university's disability advisory committee, as well as the positive attitudes and willingness of employers in Japanese society to employ individuals with disabilities in their establishments and institutions.

Today, universities represent a fundamental cornerstone in providing an environment conducive to continuous development of high-quality education and training, focusing on lifelong learning, and establishing balanced learning communities. Additionally, they provide programs for individuals with disabilities to create a suitable environment for them in the educational process, to complete the building of learners' personalities, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and cognitive skills to integrate into society as balanced social entities.

Tokyo University, founded in 1877, is one of the first Japanese universities to pay attention to individuals with disabilities. A disability services office was opened in 2004 with the aim of creating a university environment free from obstacles by designing various elements of Japanese society such as buildings, tools, institutions, and customs to be suitable for individuals with disabilities. It provides supportive services and conducts numerous researches to develop the services provided and to maximize the benefits from the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (Tokyo University, 2020)

Keywords:
Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities at the University of Tokyo, Japan