Revised April 2022
Reasonable Accommodation

1.

What is reasonable accommodation?

Everyone has the right to learn. Although, in principle, there are several ways to learn, most people adapt tothe methods and environment provided to them. However, if there are limitations or peculiarities in physicalor cognitive functions, etc., the methods and environment to which most people adapt without much thought
could create a situation where learning is difficult (“disability”). You may demand “reasonableaccommodation” (changes and adjustment) for such disability, that is, facilities, precedents, rules, andpractices that become a barrier to enjoying universal rights. These are the rights recognized by the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons withDisabilities, and the Response Guidelines (Kyoto University).
*The idea of disability being created by society, as described above, is termed as the “social model of disability.”2.

How to apply for reasonable accommodation.

The examination and implementation of reasonable accommodation are conducted by faculties and graduate
schools to which students are affiliated. The content of reasonable accommodation is determined throughrepeated communication (hearing, confirmation of supporting documents, etc.) as described below.
Reasonable accommodation may be requested at any time, but it is difficult to respond on short notice or after
the fact; thus, please consult us in advance if you anticipate any difficulties.
① Submit the reasonable accommodation application form along with supporting documents* to thefaculty/graduate school you belong to. At this time, you might be interviewed by department staff to confirm
your documents, etc.

*Supporting documents: Documents to support the consistency and objectivity of the desired
accommodations, such as a disability certificate, doctor’s note, psychological findings (such as the results of apsychological test), history of support, etc. Individualized and concrete examination based on evidence isnecessary to provide reasonable accommodation as an official university service. Evidence-based support isnecessary to provide an opportunity for high-quality education and research, which is a mission of theuniversity.
② The faculty or graduate school of affiliation will forward the application to DRC. DRC will prepare astatement summarizing the needs and their validity. Based on this statement, the faculty or graduate school
will prepare a request for accommodation on confirming the details of the reasonable accommodation. The
applying student will confirm the details and make a decision on whom to inform (details, faculty, and people)
upon consulting the administration of the affiliated faculty.
*If the condition or situation of disability changes, or the desired accommodation is not effective, the details
will be reexamined.
③ The administration will notify the teaching staff regarding the request for accommodation.
*The method of notification may differ depending on the request.

④ If necessary, the student will consult the teaching staff to arrange specific accommodations.
3.

Examples of reasonable accommodation

What is “reasonable” is adjusted for each person. Although details are not similar for all, we present someexamples below.
Environmental adjustment: Seating accommodation (assigned seating, priority seating, etc.), a space torest.

Communication accommodation: How to provide information on your characteristics and disability andsend notifications.

Permission to use AT (assistive devices and technology): Recording audio and video of lectures, using alaptop and ear plugs, etc.

Assignment of human support: Note taking, experiment assistance, board writing support, etc.

*Reasonable accommodation is intended to provide equal opportunities and does not guarantee results (e.g.,course credits). Additionally, tasks that are not generally conducted at an educational institution, changes oradjustments to the goal of a lecture (essential matters), too much of a burden, content expected to cause
notable disadvantages for others, content that does not reflect the intention of the student, etc., are considered
not applicable.

4.

References

・Response Guidelines on Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities at Kyoto University.

Contact
Disability Resource Center (DRC), Kyoto University
Hours: Mon–Fri, 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.assdr.kyoto-u.ac.jp/drc
E-mail: drc@mail.assdr.kyoto-u.ac.jp
TEL: 075-753-2317