Vocational Rehabilitation Research and Training

In order to promote the development of infrastructures and improvement of the quality of vocational rehabilitation services, the National Institute of Vocational Rehabilitation (NIVR) conducts surveys and research on vocational rehabilitation services, development of techniques, and training of professional personnel.

1.Surveys and Research on Vocational Rehabilitation

Research Based on Various Needs

In order to develop policies for vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities and improve employment support techniques at Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities as well as Employment and Life Support Centers for Persons with Disabilities, hospitals, and special needs schools, the NIVR conducts research and studies focusing on the following four points based on the current situations surrounding these persons and trends in the development of disability-related measures.

1.Pioneering research on vocational rehabilitation for persons with developmental disabilities, mental disabilities, higher brain dysfunctions, and intractable diseases

"Research on methods for coping with executive function difficulties in the workplace" and "Research on the actual state of employment support tailored to the career development of individuals with developmental disabilities"

2.Research that contributes to solving problems at Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities and other agencies providing vocational rehabilitation services

"Research on stage-based practices for employing persons with disabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises."

3.Research for developing effective support tools and other methods for local work support agencies

"Research on the effective use of the 'Assessment Sheets for Work Support'"

4.Research that contributes to the development of national policies

"Research on the Employment Status of People with Young-Onset Dementia and the Current State and Challenges of Employment Support for This Population," "Research on the needs and employment situation of persons with disabilities working less than 20 hours per week," "Comprehensive analysis of all 8 periods of Research on the Working Life Cycle of People with Disabilities," “Research on the relationship between disability employment initiatives and corporate value, etc."

Dissemination and Use of Research Results

Research results are integrated into Research and Survey Reports, Material Series and various manuals, and are distributed widely to the related facilities, administrative agencies, employers and employers’ organizations, etc.,together with brochures and summaries that compile such data.
In addition, various tools developed by the NIVR are provided to the work support agencies, including Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities, for use in the employment support practice.

• For more information on the report and other details(NIVR Japanese)

The National Conference of Vocational Rehabilitation Research and Practice

• Click here for more information on the 33nd National Conference of Vocational Rehabilitation Research and Practice

2.Development and Dissemination of Effective Vocational Rehabilitation Methods

The NIVR develops and improves pioneering vocational rehabilitation methods for persons with disabilities such as developmental disabilities and mental disabilities, for which traditional methods of support are ineffective.
Effective support methods developed through actual support for such individuals are integrated into Reports on Practical Support Methods and Support Manuals, and are provided to Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities and the relevant agencies. In addition, Support Technique Dissemination Training is also conducted.

3.Education and Training of Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists

Training of Vocational Counselors and Vocational Training Instructors

The NIVR offers systematic training according to the position and years of experience to the vocational counselors and vocational training instructors stationed at Local and Large Region Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities, etc. to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed for vocational rehabilitation specialists in order to improve the quality of their services.

Vocational Rehabilitation Training Programs

Targeting the personnel responsible for employment support for persons with disabilities in the Employment and Life Support Centers for Persons with Disabilities and other related organizations in the medical, welfare and education fields, the NIVR offers the following trainings for them to acquire the basic vocational rehabilitation knowledge and skills required for employment support and improvement of the quality of their services.

1.Education and Training for Job Coaches

This program is carried out for training job coaches, some of whom are stationed at Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities, and others belong to the welfare institutions, etc.
(dispatched type) and companies (assigned type).
The training aims to promote acquisition of technical knowledge and support methods required to become a job coach by combining the group training conducted at the NIVR and Osaka Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities and the practical skill training at the Local Vocational Centers.
Furthermore, starting in fiscal year 2026, we will implement the "Advanced Workplace Adaptation Support Training Program," which is aimed at job coaches (workplace adaptation support specialists) with a certain level of practical experience, to help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become instructors who provide supervision and other support to other job coaches.

2.Training of Personnel Responsible for Employment Support at Employment and Life Support Centers for Persons with Disabilities

Training is offered to provide the knowledge and support methods necessary in performing the tasks of personnel responsible for employment support at Employment and Life Support Centers for Persons with Disabilities, as well as to improve their support skills. There is also training offered to chief personnel responsible for employment support to provide know-how on managing the center and supervising employees.

3.Training for Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners in the Medical and Welfare Fields

Step Up Training Ⅰ is a training program that provides practical knowledge and skills for supporting persons with disabilities and companies. It is aimed at people who already have basic knowledge and skills in supporting employment of persons with disabilities and have at least one year of work experience. Step-up Training Ⅱ is also available for those who have at least two years' work experience and who have a good understanding of the characteristics of each disability and the assessment and support methods for each disability, as well as the methods of supporting companies. This training program provides specialist knowledge and skills based on the results of the organisation's research, studies and support technique development.
In addition, we also offer training programs on specific employment support themes for those working in employment support organizations for persons with disabilities and related fields, to provide them with knowledge and skills based on current trends in employment support.