Learning Abroad Center

Accessibility: Exchange in Kyoto: Ritsumeikan University

Program Page

Learn about Exchange in Kyoto, Japan—Ritsumeikan University

Attitudinal

The Japanese culture may be generally sympathetic towards those with disabilities, but there is a lack of funding to support accommodations or modifications for the disabled. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia may not be recognized.

Classroom/Internship Site

Most of the classrooms are wheelchair-accessible. It may be possible to arrange for a low distraction environment for test taking. Test accommodations, modified deadlines for assignments, and tape recording lectures will need to be negotiated with the instructor. Copies of syllabi can usually be obtained in advance. Arrangements can sometimes be made for note-taking assistance. It may be possible to convert classroom materials to alternate formats with advance notice.

There are no induction loops or similar technologies in the classroom, although captioned videos may be obtained. Sign language interpreters can sometimes be arranged, but it may prove difficult and expensive to find someone knowledgeable in both Japanese and American Sign Language.

Service dogs are allowed in the classroom but not on trains. There is Braille signage in place for buildings, elevators, and classrooms. A mobility orientation to campus can be provided.

Excursions and Field Trips

Excursions usually require extensive walking. It may be possible to arrange wheelchair-accessible transportation. Wheelchair-accessible rest rooms are generally available. Arrangements could be made for a companion to assist someone with a mobility impairment or vision disability. Limitations on sign language interpreters are as indicated above.

Housing and Food Services

Students arrange for their own housing with some assistance from the Office of International Exchange. In terms of program-sponsored housing, only the International House Taishogun is accessible for a person in a wheelchair. Commuting arrangements and distances may be difficult to cope with and hiring a personal attendant would also entail high costs. The dining facility is wheelchair-accessible. Refrigeration is allocated in each room. There are no TTY’s on campus or in program-sponsored offices.

Technology

Most adaptive equipment may be borrowed, but speech output and voice recognition software are not currently available. The computer labs are wheelchair accessible.

Library Services

There is a wheelchair-accessible library on campus.

Transportation

Trains and subways operate every day and can be accessed by someone in a wheelchair, either by a lift or with assistance from attendants.

Health Services

Personal counselors are scarce. Other medical professionals are readily available, though treatment may be different. In most cases health services are wheelchair accessible.