Special class to deepen understanding of other professions - Students studying health, medicine, and welfare take part

Nishida-san tells students about his hopes for the future

Students discussing with each other, aiming for other careers

A special class was held on May 10th at the Chiba Togane Campus, where students could listen to the voices of those living with illness or disabilities and deepen their understanding of the expertise of the profession they aspire to and other professions. Eri Nishida, a person with severe physical disabilities who will be giving a lecture from the 2022 academic year, was invited as the lecturer, and about 200 students from Department of Nursing, Department of Physical Therapy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, and Department of Social Work Studies participated.

This special lecture is part of the "Life Stage IPE (A)" class, which deepens understanding of collaboration among health, medical and welfare professionals by learning about health at various stages from children to the elderly. "Life Stage IPE" is conducted jointly by four departments, and students learn about team care through four subjects, "Life Stage IPE (A)" to "Life Stage IPE (D)" according to their grade.

Nishida was found to have a disability at seven months old, and while receiving special education, he attended regular classes at kindergarten, local elementary school, and junior high school. He entered a special needs school for high school, but was unable to attend, so he was transferred to a visiting class. He also attended a local free school. By the time he graduated from high school, he had visited all 47 prefectures in Japan. In 2008, he joined the social welfare corporation "Personal Assistance Tomo", and since 2016 he has been living alone at home, supported by helpers and other supporters.

The students learned more from Nishida's lecture on his daily life and how he is involved with counselors, helpers, nurses, pharmacists, and rehabilitation. Nishida also held a mixed-department discussion based on his hope that "people with disabilities still have few options for how they want to live. I want society to be one where people with disabilities can live the life they want. I want society to be one where everyone can live comfortably."

Students who participated in the class commented, "Ms. Nishida had so many things she wanted to try, and she looked so radiant as she achieved so many of them. Medical professionals are the ones who support her life, and I think their presence is important," and "By utilizing each student's area of expertise, it is possible to provide high-quality assistance.", revealing their enthusiasm to become medical professionals.