Experience the 'Challenges' of Developmental Disabilities: NPO ADDS to Host Kansai's First Autism Simulation Program at Ritsumeikan University's 'BKC Welcome Day 2026' on May 24th
NPO ADDS will exhibit 'Diversity Experience', an autism simulation program, at Ritsumeikan University on May 24, 2026. Through special goggles and sensory tools, the event aims to foster inclusive communities by transforming knowledge into experiential empathy.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 19:00
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The specified non-profit organization ADDS (Location: Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Co-Representatives: Yumino Takeuchi and Hitomi Kuma) will exhibit at the regional exchange event "BKC Welcome Day 2026" held at Ritsumeikan University's Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) on Sunday, May 24, 2026. On the day, under the theme of "Diversity Experience (Daieku)," they will operate a simulated experience seminar and workshop booth for Autism Spectrum Disorder (hereinafter referred to as autism), one of the developmental disabilities, using specially developed goggles and sound collectors. Based on the specialized knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), they propose the first step toward a society where everyone can live comfortably by providing the characteristics not just as "knowledge" but as an "experience felt on the skin."
■ Two "Daieku!" Programs: For those who want to learn and for passersby.
In this exhibition, two experience programs are available to choose from depending on the purpose.
1. Learn Deeply: Daieku! Autism Simulated Experience Seminar (Reservation required, limited to 35 people)
Hitomi Kuma, Co-Representative of ADDS, Doctor of Psychology and Certified Public Psychologist, will take the stage. Through lectures and workshops, participants will deeply learn about the sensory differences behind the "characteristics" of developmental disabilities, including autism. This program is intended for educators, students, corporate HR/CSR representatives, and those who want to deeply consider the nature of support.
Time: 10:30-11:30 *Reception starts at 10:20
Venue: Sports Health Commons 1st Floor "Shiru Cafe+"
Target age: High school students and above
Seminar registration: https://forms.gle/AoZvvqhH9n5BFNUs9
2. Participate Casually: Daieku! First Sensory Experience Booth (No reservation required)
Experience the true nature of "challenges" hidden in daily life in 15 minutes using familiar items and specially developed tools, such as "doing fine work with double cotton gloves" or "experiencing changes in vision with special goggles." Anyone, including parents with children and university students, can casually participate.
Time: 10:00-16:30
Duration: About 10 to 15 minutes
Venue: Prism House
Target age: 5 years old and above (recommended) *We ask parents to assist young children.
■ Purpose of Exhibition: Bringing evidence-based support closer to home
ADDS has been responsible for public developmental support mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, centering on the spread of "ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)," an evidence-based developmental support. This includes operating directly managed child development support offices in Tokyo and Kamakura City, the Edogawa Ward Developmental Consultation and Support Center, and the Koiwa Child Development Support Center newly established in the ward this April, as well as designated management operations.
Through the wonderful platform of Ritsumeikan University BKC this time, we hope that by letting people in Shiga broadly know the characteristics of developmental disabilities, it will lead to the further realization of a local community where children with diverse characteristics can live as themselves.
In this exhibition, we aim for positive interaction between regions focusing on the following three pillars.
Turning "differences" into strength: Conveying the specific differences in how each person feels beyond words like "autism" and "developmental disability," and increasing the number of new developmental support supporters in the community.
Co-creation with companies and organizations in Shiga: In Shiga Prefecture, which has rich nature and unique community culture, we would like to exchange information with companies about inclusive social contribution models and environmental adjustments where diverse human resources can play an active role.
Sharing knowledge across regions: By directly exchanging the knowledge cultivated through the operation of public support bases in the metropolitan area and the real voices of everyone in Shiga, we will create new perspectives for solving region-specific issues.
Beyond the framework of education and welfare, we hope to take the first step together in a new inclusive initiative starting from Shiga by having qualified personnel, students, and local residents join hands.
On the day, we also welcome exchanging opinions with corporate representatives interested in CSR activities, SDGs promotion, and diversity management. Please stop by the "Daieku! Autism Simulated Experience Seminar" starting at 10:30, or the "Daieku! First Sensory Experience Booth" held all day.
■ Event Overview
Event name: BKC Welcome Day 2026
Date and time: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10:00-16:30
Venue: Ritsumeikan University Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC)
Access: 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture (Access information)
Participation fee: Free
Event official website: https://kenko-festa.ritsumei.ac.jp/
[About the Specified Non-Profit Organization ADDS] Established in 2009. We provide medical treatment based on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) to children with developmental characteristics including autism, develop parent training programs, and conduct social awareness activities through collaboration with local governments and companies.
■ Two "Daieku!" Programs: For those who want to learn and for passersby.
In this exhibition, two experience programs are available to choose from depending on the purpose.
1. Learn Deeply: Daieku! Autism Simulated Experience Seminar (Reservation required, limited to 35 people)
Hitomi Kuma, Co-Representative of ADDS, Doctor of Psychology and Certified Public Psychologist, will take the stage. Through lectures and workshops, participants will deeply learn about the sensory differences behind the "characteristics" of developmental disabilities, including autism. This program is intended for educators, students, corporate HR/CSR representatives, and those who want to deeply consider the nature of support.
Time: 10:30-11:30 *Reception starts at 10:20
Venue: Sports Health Commons 1st Floor "Shiru Cafe+"
Target age: High school students and above
Seminar registration: https://forms.gle/AoZvvqhH9n5BFNUs9
2. Participate Casually: Daieku! First Sensory Experience Booth (No reservation required)
Experience the true nature of "challenges" hidden in daily life in 15 minutes using familiar items and specially developed tools, such as "doing fine work with double cotton gloves" or "experiencing changes in vision with special goggles." Anyone, including parents with children and university students, can casually participate.
Time: 10:00-16:30
Duration: About 10 to 15 minutes
Venue: Prism House
Target age: 5 years old and above (recommended) *We ask parents to assist young children.
■ Purpose of Exhibition: Bringing evidence-based support closer to home
ADDS has been responsible for public developmental support mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, centering on the spread of "ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)," an evidence-based developmental support. This includes operating directly managed child development support offices in Tokyo and Kamakura City, the Edogawa Ward Developmental Consultation and Support Center, and the Koiwa Child Development Support Center newly established in the ward this April, as well as designated management operations.
Through the wonderful platform of Ritsumeikan University BKC this time, we hope that by letting people in Shiga broadly know the characteristics of developmental disabilities, it will lead to the further realization of a local community where children with diverse characteristics can live as themselves.
In this exhibition, we aim for positive interaction between regions focusing on the following three pillars.
Turning "differences" into strength: Conveying the specific differences in how each person feels beyond words like "autism" and "developmental disability," and increasing the number of new developmental support supporters in the community.
Co-creation with companies and organizations in Shiga: In Shiga Prefecture, which has rich nature and unique community culture, we would like to exchange information with companies about inclusive social contribution models and environmental adjustments where diverse human resources can play an active role.
Sharing knowledge across regions: By directly exchanging the knowledge cultivated through the operation of public support bases in the metropolitan area and the real voices of everyone in Shiga, we will create new perspectives for solving region-specific issues.
Beyond the framework of education and welfare, we hope to take the first step together in a new inclusive initiative starting from Shiga by having qualified personnel, students, and local residents join hands.
On the day, we also welcome exchanging opinions with corporate representatives interested in CSR activities, SDGs promotion, and diversity management. Please stop by the "Daieku! Autism Simulated Experience Seminar" starting at 10:30, or the "Daieku! First Sensory Experience Booth" held all day.
■ Event Overview
Event name: BKC Welcome Day 2026
Date and time: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10:00-16:30
Venue: Ritsumeikan University Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC)
Access: 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture (Access information)
Participation fee: Free
Event official website: https://kenko-festa.ritsumei.ac.jp/
[About the Specified Non-Profit Organization ADDS] Established in 2009. We provide medical treatment based on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) to children with developmental characteristics including autism, develop parent training programs, and conduct social awareness activities through collaboration with local governments and companies.