Support for Students with Special Needs

Support for Students with Special Needs

At ICU, the Office of Special Needs Support Services (SNSS) works under the supervision of the Associate Director of Center for Teaching and Learning to provide learning support to students with special needs.

Basic Policy for Students with Special Needs

Standing by the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ICU shall prepare and maintain an environment in which all students can learn on the basis of equal opportunity, without discrimination, and with dignity. ICU shall secure opportunities for those with disabilities to participate in learning, teaching, research, and other related activities equally alongside those without disabilities.

ICU's Support for Students with Special Needs (SNSS)

ICU provides support for students with special needs in accordance with the above Basic Policy. By completing the necessary procedures, interested students can receive a wide variety of learning support from SNSS Office staff members and, as necessary, class instructors, Student Supporters, and other ICU departments.

Applying for Learning Support

Interested students should submit a Learning Support Application to the Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts (in charge of Student Learning). The necessary documents for application are as follows.

- A medical certificate or a statement of findings from a counselor or other specialist
- A Support for Students with Special Needs Application
- A document describing the support, etc., that the student received through high school (where applicable)

* Students requiring special accommodations during tests should complete the application procedures at the beginning of the term.

Types of learning support available to students

Sending requests for special accommodations to instructors

The Office of Special Needs Support Services e-mails the student's instructors with the necessary information and any requests for special accommodations.

Accommodations for Exams & Assignments

The office arranges nessessary accommodations for exams and assignments. The possible accommodations include extending exam time limits and arranging for separate testing rooms.

Peer support from Student Supporters

At set times every week, supporters give fellow students the learning help and university life-related assistance they need.

Note-taking support

A student who has trouble taking notes can have a Student Supporter attend his or her classes, take notes on class content, instructor lectures, and student comments, and provide copies of the notes after class.

Having textbooks or class materials translated into braille, processed (enlarged or laid out differently), transliterated, or read aloud

Students can get textbooks, class materials, and other class resources in formats that they can use.

Assisted writing/typing

If a student has trouble writing or typing, he or she can get access to assisted writing and typing services for class reports, tests, and more.

Mobility support/guidance

Student Supporters can help students get around campus, move from classroom to classroom, and attend class with minimal difficulty.

Classroom accommodations

When students with special needs have classes in classrooms that are hard to get to, have equipment-related issues, or lack the required space, the Office of Special Needs Support Services does what it can to make classroom changes and facilitate the necessary measures.

Loaning out computers, IC recorders, support software, and other information devices and resources

The Office loans out the necessary devices and resources if any problems occur during classes or testing procedures.

Using the Office of Special Needs Support Services

At the Office of Special Needs Support Services, students can work on computers installed with support software, access braille printers, and use the available space to study.

* The Office also provides other forms of support as needed. If you have any questions or need any help, let the staff at the Office of Special Needs Support Services know.

Student Supporters

The Office of Special Needs Support Services is always looking for people who want to become Student Supporters and provide learning support to students with special needs. Student Supporters handle a wide variety of learning support activities at ICU, such as providing peer support to students with special needs and preparing materials for students with visual impairments.

Contact information

See the leaflet for more information.

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