Hiroshima

๐Ÿงฉ

Special Education and Support Services

Sections

1. Categories of Special Education and Support Services in Hiroshima

Hiroshima provides a variety of services for individuals with special needs, primarily through its public education system, local government programs, and non-profit organizations. These services are designed to support children with physical, intellectual, developmental, and emotional disabilities.

A. Special Education Schools (็‰นๅˆฅๆ”ฏๆดๅญฆๆ ก - Tokubetsu Shien Gakkou)

  • Description: Hiroshima has several special education schools that cater to children with disabilities. These schools are categorized based on the type of disability, such as intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and developmental disorders.
  • Key Institutions:
    • Hiroshima Prefectural Special Needs Education Schools (ๅบƒๅณถ็œŒ็ซ‹็‰นๅˆฅๆ”ฏๆดๅญฆๆ ก)
    • Hiroshima City Special Needs Schools (ๅบƒๅณถๅธ‚็ซ‹็‰นๅˆฅๆ”ฏๆดๅญฆๆ ก)
  • Focus Areas: Academic education, life skills, vocational training, and therapy services.

B. Special Needs Classes in Regular Schools (็‰นๅˆฅๆ”ฏๆดๅญฆ็ดš - Tokubetsu Shien Gakkyuu)

  • Description: Many public elementary and junior high schools in Hiroshima have special needs classes for students who can benefit from being in a mainstream school environment but require additional support.
  • Support Provided: Individualized education plans (IEPs), smaller class sizes, and specialized teaching methods.

C. Resource Rooms (้€š็ดšๆŒ‡ๅฐŽๆ•™ๅฎค - Tsuukyu Shidou Kyoushitsu)

  • Description: These are part-time support programs within regular schools where students with mild disabilities or developmental challenges can receive specialized instruction while attending regular classes.
  • Focus Areas: Speech therapy, social skills training, and academic support.

D. Early Intervention Services

  • Description: For preschool-aged children, Hiroshima offers early intervention programs to address developmental delays. These services are often provided through local child development centers (ๅ…็ซฅ็™บ้”ๆ”ฏๆดใ‚ปใƒณใ‚ฟใƒผ - Jidou Hattatsu Shien Sentaa).
  • Key Institutions:
    • Hiroshima City Child Development Support Centers
    • Private therapy and support organizations

E. Support for High School and Beyond

  • Special Needs High Schools: Hiroshima has high schools specifically designed for students with disabilities, offering vocational training and preparation for independent living.
  • Vocational Training Centers: Institutions like the Hiroshima Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities (ๅบƒๅณถ้šœๅฎณ่€…่ทๆฅญใ‚ปใƒณใ‚ฟใƒผ) provide job training and employment support.

F. Community-Based Support Services

  • Description: Local organizations and non-profits provide after-school programs, respite care, and family support services.
  • Key Organizations:
    • Hiroshima City Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities (ๅบƒๅณถๅธ‚้šœๅฎณ่€…็ฆ็ฅ‰ใ‚ตใƒผใƒ“ใ‚น)
    • Parent support groups and advocacy organizations

2. Costs Involved

The costs for special education and support services in Hiroshima vary depending on the type of service and the familyโ€™s income level. Many services are subsidized by the government.

A. Public Education

  • Public special education schools and classes are free of charge, as they are part of the compulsory education system in Japan.
  • Additional costs may include school supplies, uniforms, and transportation.

B. Therapy and Developmental Support

  • Early intervention services and therapy sessions may have fees, but these are often subsidized through government programs.
  • Families with lower incomes may qualify for further reductions or exemptions.

C. Community Services

  • Fees for after-school programs or respite care vary by provider but are generally affordable due to government subsidies.
  • Hiroshima City offers financial assistance for families with children with disabilities through programs like the Child Disability Allowance (ๅ…็ซฅๆ‰ถ้คŠๆ‰‹ๅฝ“ - Jidou Fuyou Teate).

3. Procedures to Access Services

Accessing special education and support services in Hiroshima involves several steps. Hereโ€™s a general outline:

A. Assessment and Diagnosis

  1. Initial Consultation: Parents concerned about their childโ€™s development can consult with their local municipal office, child development center, or school.
  2. Medical or Psychological Evaluation: A formal diagnosis from a medical professional or psychologist is often required to access certain services.

B. Application for Services

  1. Contact the Local Board of Education: The Hiroshima City or Prefectural Board of Education oversees special education placements.
  2. Submit Required Documents: This may include medical reports, proof of residence, and income documentation for subsidies.
  3. Placement Decision: The Board of Education will determine the most appropriate educational setting for the child.

C. Enrollment in Schools or Programs

  • Once placement is decided, parents can enroll their child in the designated school or program.
  • For community-based services, parents can directly contact the service provider.

D. Ongoing Support and Adjustments

  • Regular meetings with teachers and support staff ensure that the childโ€™s needs are being met.
  • Parents can request changes to the childโ€™s education plan if necessary.

4. Local Considerations Unique to Hiroshima

Hiroshima has a strong community focus on inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities. Here are some specific local considerations:

A. Hiroshimaโ€™s Peace and Inclusivity Ethos

  • As a city with a history of resilience and recovery, Hiroshima places a high value on inclusivity and support for all residents, including those with disabilities.

B. Accessibility

  • Hiroshima is known for its accessible public transportation system, including trams and buses equipped for individuals with mobility challenges.
  • Many public facilities, including schools and community centers, are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

C. Local Advocacy Groups

  • Hiroshima has active parent and advocacy groups that provide support, share resources, and lobby for improved services. Examples include:
    • Hiroshima Parentsโ€™ Association for Children with Disabilities
    • Hiroshima Disability Advocacy Network

D. Cultural Sensitivity

  • While Hiroshima is welcoming, understanding Japanese cultural norms, such as the importance of politeness and patience, can help families navigate the system more effectively.

5. Key Contacts and Resources

Here are some important contacts for accessing special education and support services in Hiroshima:

  1. Hiroshima City Board of Education (ๅบƒๅณถๅธ‚ๆ•™่‚ฒๅง”ๅ“กไผš)

  2. Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education (ๅบƒๅณถ็œŒๆ•™่‚ฒๅง”ๅ“กไผš)

  3. Hiroshima City Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities

  4. Hiroshima Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities

  5. Hiroshima Child Development Support Centers

    • Contact your local municipal office for details.

Conclusion

Hiroshima offers a robust network of special education and support services, ensuring that children and individuals with disabilities can thrive. By leveraging the resources provided by schools, local organizations, and government programs, families can access the support they need. Understanding the procedures and local considerations will help you navigate the system effectively and ensure the best outcomes for your child or family member.