Keio University created the @ease supporter program as a way of accommodating the needs of students with disabilities. Every semester, Keio accepts applications from its undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in providing support to the community. Students who are accepted into the project are paid as temporary staff while working on support activities.
@ease Supporter Activities
General support for students with disabilities
Helping students record information by taking notes by hand or on a computer
Transcribing class materials
Assisting students in getting around campus
Supporting students during official ceremonies or other events organized by Keio University
Setting up and operating specialized classroom equipment
Raising awareness about the @ease Project
How to Register as an @ease Suppoter
@ease supporter applications for upcoming academic terms are posted at the end of each semester on both the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion's website and the keio.jp student website.
Students fill out and submit the @ease application form
Applicants will be interviewed by staff from the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
After the office makes its decisions, @ease supporters will be hired and paid as temporary staff for their work
Training Sessions for @ease Supporters
Keio conducts training sessions before the start of each semester so that even those who do not have prior knowledge or experiences in disability support will be able to start from scratch.
Kickoff Event
An introduction to the main purpose of @ease supporters and their activities given by the director of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Lectures on how to support students with disabilities
Note-Taking Workshop
Participants will learn practical techniques for both hand-written and digital note-taking and be given time for hands-on practice. After the workshop ends, students will be provided places to work in groups to study and prepare for taking notes in real classes.
Training Sessions for the 2nd and 3rd Levels of Japan's "Universal Manners Test"
Students will be asked to attend a training course for the 2nd and 3rd levels of the Japanese "Universal Manners Test (UMT) and then take the exam.
@ease Supporter Activities
2022 academic year
Transcribing audio during class for students with auditory disabilities
Assisting students with physical disabilities during meals and similar situations
2023 academic year
Providing mobility assistance for students with disabilities (orthopedic and visual impairments)
Facilitating information accessibility and assisting guests with disabilities at graduation and entrance ceremonies
Staffing events related to disabilities
Accommodating visitors with disabilities at open campuses
Subtitling for on-demand online classes
Holding @ease supporter programs during Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Promotion Week
Handling media coverage
All activities are arranged and coordinated so that students can work on them during free time between classes or other commitments. If you have any interests in @ease supporter activities, we hope that you will consider helping provide care throughout the Keio community. We look forward to your application!