Research Themes

• Evidence Based Approach of Test Accomodation for students with visual impairments
  Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
  Keio University
  01 Apr. 2019 - 31 Mar. 2022
  Paper tests are often administered in entrance examinations and various other tests. However, students with visual impairments have difficulty accessing regular examinations. Therefore, it is essential to take into modifications or adjustments such as Braille, large print, alternative answer methods, and extension of the examination time. In this study, we investigated the reasonable accommodations offering to students with visual impairments in various examinations. We also investigated the assessment methods using behavioral assessment to determine the modifications or adjustments. Then, we developed applications with examination mode that resolves conflicts between practical limitations and the needs of students with visual impairments, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the applications. In addition, we published the information on accessibility of distance learning, including examinations, on the website.
• Development and evaluation of a collaborative system for smooth transition between high school and university for students with visual impairments
  Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
  Hiroshima University
  01 Apr. 2018 - 31 Mar. 2021
  The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of the developed program. We developed and tried the university experience program (UEP) in 2018. In 2019, We conducted the UEP for high school students with visual impairments. The UEP consisted of educational assessment programs such as visual functions, lecture programs of the rights of persons with disabilities, experience programs such as university tests, university syllabuses, university handbooks and training programs such as facilitation skills visual aids skills and ICT skills. In 2020, we developed a teaching material package for using this program in school lessons for visual impairments. This program consisted of a lecture program (4 items), an educational evaluation program (3 items), and a skill-up program (2 items). Each item consisted of a video, resume and syllabus. Ten school teachers evaluated the material. All teachers evaluated this material as useful for teaching.
• Development of a support system to provide reasonable accommodation for pupils with visual disabilities who are enrolled in regular classes
  Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
  Keio University
  01 Apr. 2016 - 31 Mar. 2019
  To provide a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities have become a more urgent issue after the "Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities" took effect. Especially, on the area of professionalism, not only to prepare braille or large print textbooks and teaching materials but also to provide orientation and mobility training is required to educate children with visual impairments. Teachers in regular classes often have difficulty with teaching children with visual impairment who have a lower incidence and a wide variety of disabilities. The reason why we developed the following system is to provide reasonable accommodation for children with visual impairments who are enrolled in regular classes. The system consisted of 1) a portal website for educational consultation, 2) assistive technologies for education, and 3) teachers training program.