My first visit to OSU took place in 2018 March as part of the University of Tsukuba’s efforts to strengthen its ties with OSU/EHE, specifically in the field of education and special education. With support from Dean Pope-Davis and collaborative efforts from researchers at EHE, more than 10 faculty members from EHE and 30 faculty members from the University of Tsukuba visited both campuses in 2018 and 2019. Starting in April 2019, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we successfully organized three virtual conferences, facilitating connections among researchers and students in education and special education, with participation exceeding 200 individuals. During my year as a visiting scholar at OSU from 2018 to 2019, I engaged in two significant projects with faculty members from EHE, including Dr. P.Paul from Educational Studies, and Dr. T. Wild, and Dr. D. Fast from Teaching and Learning. One project centered on a systematic review of inclusive education for visually impaired students, while the other examined specialist schools within the context of inclusive education. These projects deepened my understanding of the intricate factors contributing to mainstream school inequality and allowed me to identify practical strategies, including the essential role of specialist schools. My personal experiences growing up in California have cultivated my sensitivity to diverse cultures and my curiosity as a researcher. My dedication to disability sciences, particularly inclusive education for visually impaired children during my graduate studies, fueled my desire to comprehend complex social dynamics. I maintain ongoing collaborations with researchers at EHE, as well as researchers in Germany, the UK, and India. I strongly believe that through collaborative efforts with diverse communities and experts, we can develop innovative solutions to complex social problems.
Dr. Hisae Miyauchi has obtained her Ph.D. in 2013 (at University of Tsukuba) and currently is an Associate Professor at University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Human Sciences. Her research interests include education for visual impairment and inclusive education. She explores ways to increase inclusion and diversity through collaborative research with colleagues in the US and Europe. Her recent publications include “Perceptions of Students with Visual Impairment on Inclusive Education: A Narrative Meta-analysis” (in Human Research in Rehabilitation, 2020) and “Keeping Schools for the Blind Vital in an Era of Inclusion: Key Elements for Success” (in Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 2022).
