More Than Just Service: NPO ADDS Recruits 'Learn and Practice' Student Division Members for Professional ABA Training and Volunteering

NPO ADDS (Located in Suginami-ku, Tokyo; Co-representatives: Hitomi Kuma and Yumino Takeuchi) has begun recruiting new members for the 21st and 22nd terms of the 'ADDS Student Division.' This program invites university, graduate, and vocational students in the Tokyo metropolitan area to actively participate while learning professional developmental support knowledge, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It is a training-style volunteer program where knowledge gained from lectures and workshops is directly applied to actual volunteer projects and developmental support settings.

Background and ADDS Mission 'Together, we will realize a society where everyone in need of developmental support can learn in their own way and live with hope.' In recent years, while the importance of early and appropriate developmental support for children with developmental disabilities has increased, the shortage of supporters with professional knowledge has become a serious social issue. In the ADDS Student Division, students from the Tokyo area consider what they can do as students toward this mission and engage in a wide range of activities under the support of experts.

Going beyond simple 'playing with children' volunteering, the program proposes a new form of social contribution based on three pillars: 'Learning developmental support knowledge,' 'Supporting children,' and 'Mutual growth among students.'

Two Selectable Courses The Student Division offers two courses based on goals and level of involvement:

### 1. 'Engage with Social Issues!' Volunteer Course Participants learn the basics of developmental support through lectures before starting activities. Monthly regular meetings at the Ogikubo office involve student-led planning and preparation for events and study groups. Activities are conducted in a friendly atmosphere where mutual opinions are valued.

### 2. 'Learn at the Forefront!' Intern Course Students eager to be more involved can undergo a selection process to join the front lines of support as 'Student Therapists.' Through practical training, certification tests, and follow-up workshops, they can deeply learn developmental support at a near-professional level.

Recent Activity Examples - May 2025: Hatta-tsu FES booth exhibition - June 2025 & March 2026: Criacao Shinjuku (JFL) Universal Pass volunteering and Sensory Room operation - Aug 2025: Autism experience booth at 'Shigoto-ten Kamakura' hosted by Kamakura FM - Dec 2025: Planning and operation of a childcare event (Christmas party)

Recruitment Overview - Target: Vocational, university, and graduate students in the Tokyo area (1st and 2nd-year students are highly welcome). - Location: Ogikubo Office (5-16-1 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo) - Details & Application: https://adds.or.jp/post-7678/