Accessibility Resource CenterWaseda University

Course

3rd year, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (2017)

How I got involved with the OSD

I first read about the OSD in the career center pamphlet. I was immediately interested, not least because one of my close family members has a disability. Also I was keen to be able to contribute something right here on campus.

Time at the OSD

Two and a half years (as of October 2017)

My thoughts

I joined the OSD right at the start of my university career, so I felt as if I didn’t know anything at first! But the staff and other volunteers were endlessly helpful and the students I supported were really great to work with so it didn’t take long to get into the rhythm of things. I have learned so much through working on different programs at the OSD; it’s been a really rewarding experience.

Course

2nd year, School of Culture, Media and Society (2017)

How I got involved with the OSD

I had been thinking that I wanted to try something new. Then one day while I was flicking through the university handbook, the OSD page caught my eye and I decided to find out more.

Time at the OSD

One year (as of October 2017)

My thoughts

I was a bit nervous at first but I soon got used to it, especially because everyone around me was so friendly and helpful. You get to meet so many new people and have amazing experiences through the OSD. It’s much more than just the support programs—one of the great things about the OSD is the opportunity to interact with a broad mix of students from other faculties and year levels.

Course

5th year, School of Culture, Media and Society (2015)

How I got involved with the OSD

I heard about the OSD when a hearing impaired friend told me that he was using their note-taking service.

Time at the OSD

Four years (as of February 2016)

My thoughts

Hearing impairment can take many different forms. The type of support needed depends on the individual. Part of the fun of working at the OSD is in the process of identifying what forms of support a student might need, then designing a support package, trying it out and making modifications to ensure the very best outcome. You don’t need any special skills to join the team. It doesn’t take long to learn the ropes and soon you’ll be making a great contribution to helping others. Just give it a try! You’ll meet nice people, develop new skills and have a great time.

Course

1st year, School of Culture, Media and Society (2015)

How I got involved with the OSD

I got an email about the OSD training course via school over the summer, and I thought that maybe it was something that I could do to help out.

Time at the OSD

Six months (as of February 2016)

My thoughts

Being at the OSD is really inspiring: you get to meet loads of new people and learn new things. Although it is a bit daunting at first, everyone is very kind and welcoming. I’m so glad I joined; it’s been a wonderful experience and I hope to keep it up for a while yet.

Course

2nd year, School of Political Science and Economics (2015)

How I got involved with the OSD

I have been a member of the Waseda University Sign Language Club. I joined the OSD after I was invited by a senior student there. Many people there provide other forms of support as well and I naturally started participating in OSD activities.

Time at the OSD

Eight months (as of February 2016)

My thoughts

There was a lot to learn at first but I soon got used to it.

Helping out at the OSD is a fulfilling experience; after each session I feel a sense of achievement.

Course

2nd year, School of Law (2015)

How I got involved with the OSD

I only found out about the OSD by chance when I was talking to a friend one day about our timetables. I was curious to find out more so I went over to have a chat with them. To know that I can help make a difference to someone gives me a sense of purpose. I love helping people out through the OSD.

Time at the OSD

One year (as of February 2016)

My thoughts

There is a variety of support staff at the OSD. I have met so many great people and they are all so committed to what they do. Just being involved with such people is inspiring—the OSD is a wonderful thing to be part of.