[MEXT] Survey of Lifelong Learning Programs for People with Intellectual Disabilities

On June 22nd, 2021, MEXT released a report on the "Survey of Lifelong Learning Programs for People with Intellectual Disabilities Offered by Universities and Other Institutions (FY 2020)". Japan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014 and enacted the Act to Eliminate Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities in April 2016. Following the development of these laws, many universities and other educational institutions have provided learning opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities to gain the skills and abilities necessary to live independently in society, such as computer skills, English, sports, basic laws, etc. This research aims to identify the factors which facilitate or hinder the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in these learning activities at universities and other educational institutions, and to consider the ideal nature of lifelong learning opportunities for them. The survey was conducted at national, public, and private universities and other institutions (42 institutions) as well as at lifelong learning centers and regional cooperation centers of universities (91 institutions) that currently have or have offered extension courses or public lectures for people with intellectual disabilities. The survey period was from December 7th to 25th, 2020. The main results of the survey are as follows.

  • The breakdown of the types of university where the courses were held was private (50.0%), national (37.5%), and public (12.5%).
  • The main organizers of the courses were universities (50.0%), laboratories (individual professors/teachers) (30.0%), and extension courses management committees/executive committees (25.0%).
  • The lecturers in charge of the courses were full-time university teachers (85.7%) and part-time university staff (27.5%).
  • 75% of the respondents said that they were currently holding courses for people with intellectual disabilities and 25 % answered that they used to hold such courses.
  • The reasons for discontinuing courses were that the teacher in charge retired/transferred (40.0%), the necessary staff could not be secured, and it was difficult to train support staff (20.0% each).

For more information, please visit the following website (Japanese only).

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/ikusei/gakusyushien/mext_01580.html

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