Join us for a 3-part free online seminar series this November exploring accessibility and inclusion in Japanese language teaching. Hear from leading scholars—Prof. Carolyn Stevens, A/Prof. Kiwako Ito, and Prof. Vicki Bitsika—as they share insights on accessibility in Japan, language learning processes, and neurodiversity.

Designed for Japanese language teachers at all levels, and for anyone interested in inclusive education, this unique series will help you create more supportive classrooms while connecting research with real teaching practice. Participants are welcome to attend all three seminars or choose any session that best fits their interests.

Each session will run include: a 30-35 minute presentation from one of our academic speakers; 20 minutes question time; and then 20 minutes for small group discussions regarding teaching practices and implications.

If you have any questions, please contact us at sakurawebinars@gmail.com

This event is generously supported by the Sakura Network Grants Scheme.

This event is brought to you by the Japanese Studies Association of Australia, hosted by Dr Rowena Ward and Dr Laura Clark.

Date: 11th November

Presenter: Prof. Carolyn Stevens

Title: Disability, Access and Academia in Japanese Studies

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic mainstreamed videotelephony and online interactivity across leisure, educational, and professional spheres. These technologies, while new to many students and workers, have been in use for many years in the disability academic community. The adoption of videotelephony benefits not only disabled people but other groups experiencing isolation. Using examples from teaching Japanese studies in Japan and Australia, the presenter argues that these practices should be strengthened and expanded, rather than being a stop-gap measure in extraordinary times.

Date: 18th November

Presenter: A/Prof. Kiwako Ito
Title: Learning from children with and without developmental disorders

Abstract:

Children have shorter memory and attention spans, and they process language differently from adults. However, both typically developing children and those with developmental disorders (such as autism and Williams syndrome) are sensitive to emphatic speech. This talk will explore speech prosody and body language in the context of second language acquisition.

Date 25th November

Presenter: Professor Vicki Bitsika, AM

Title: Understanding the experiences and needs of neurodiverse learners.

Abstract:

The capacity of students with neurodiverse profiles to experience learning as meaningful, not only depends on ‘task-related’ features, but also key environmental factors that, if present, have been shown to facilitate learning engagement. This presentation will discuss these environmental factors from the perspective of building successful classroom experiences and avoiding escalations in anxiety.