On December 22, 2021 an exchange class between students of the School of Social Sciences (Comparative Modern Social Thought 2, taught by Associate Professor Hanno Terao) and employees of Waseda University Polaris Co., Ltd. (special subsidiary*) took place.
Employees talked about the process leading up to employment, the state of vocational training, work content and approach attitudes that make use of aptitude and abilities, and through questions and answers, students had the opportunity to think about employment of people with disabilities, human rights, symbiotic society, etc. as a familiar matter.
Students said, “I was impressed with the idea of wanting to learn how to work so that he can teach his colleagues and juniors”; “I learned that the way they spend holidays and the sense of accomplishment and worries about their work are same with me, and they are not living a different life. I was able to reconsider the difference from the people without disabilities I had felt unconsciously until now”; and “Someone are planning to live alone, inspired by the people around them, and I felt a connection with society. It may be necessary that the national government takes measures so that people with disabilities can lead a work-life balanced life with peace of mind.”
The employees expressed, “It was an opportunity to look back on the situation before and after joining Polaris. It was interesting to hear other employees’ stories for the first time”; “I was able to recognize my own growth in the process of tracing and sharing what I have accumulated since joining the company, what I have become able to do, and how I have been able to grow internally”. It was a meaningful opportunity for both parties to learn from each other.
* A subsidiary established by the business owner (the university) for the purpose of promoting stable employment of people with disabilities.
