Institute for Alternative Systems of Social Welfare and Development
The institute is designed for the development of a new "human centered welfare society" with welfare, the environment and economy existing in cooperation and harmony. Surrounding' the three main domains of research activity (Social Welfare, Social Development, and Welfare Society Systems.) The institute places importance not only on research involving organizations within the educational group but also promotes cooperation with national and local government agencies, welfare organizations and NGOs.
The Research Institute for Health Sciences
The Main research objectives of this institute include; ①Research on Rehabilitation, ②Research on Assistive Technology, and ③Research on Life Environment. As an outgrowth of the successful research outcomes of the forerunner "Research Institute of System Sciences," the Research Institute for Health Sciences aims to establish further interdisciplinary and comprehensive research exchanges.
The Center of Assistive Technology
The Center of Assistive Technology is currently expanding its activities, which focus on three areas – education, research and contributing to the community. The Center grants broad access to its facilities not only within NFU but also to the wider community. It also actively supports classes that are related to welfare information technology. One example being assistive technology incorporate a practical approach to learning. The Center also has on display a range of healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs, information devices and software for the physically challenged. Our resident full-time instructors and other personnel are on hand to provide consultations to local residents and the opportunity to try out equipment in the Center. The Center also plays a key role in facilitating joint research with manufacturers of healthcare equipment. Our close affiliations with various corporations enable us to give back to society the finished products of our research.
The Institute of Chita Hanto Regional Development
In 1988, in celebration of our 35th anniversary, the institute was established to investigate and analyze the history, culture and development of the Chita Peninsula and its industries. Through the examination of over 100,000 historical documents found in the region, the institute researches Chita peninsula's place in Japanese history. The findings are published in "The Chita Peninsula, Past and Present" and have been useful for local governments in research and planning of various projects.
Psychological Research Center
Established in April of 1990 for research of clinical and developmental psychology, the center is involved in three main areas: psychological education, research through data collection and planning and implementation of psychology related studies. For no charge, the center offers individual and group counseling for parents and/or their children who have problems with social skills or adapting in different social environments. The Psychological Research Center consists of the Psychological Consultation Center (Nagoya Campus) and the Child Development Support Center (Mihama Campus).
Publications: Chiiki to Rinsho (“Clinics & Communities”); Shinri Rinsho Kenkyu Senta Kiyo (“The Psychological Research Center Bulletin”). In 2005, NFU commenced publication of Shinri Rinsho Kenkyu Senta Kiyo (“The Psychological Research Center Bulletin”).
The Support Room for Child Development
The Mental Health Support Center, which had been established as a branch office of the Psychological Research Center, was renamed to ‘Support Room for Child Development' and began its activities in the Chita-Hanto region from April, 2008. These activities include; cooperating with other agencies to provide 'Support Activities for Challenged Children's' Treatment in the Chita-Hanto Region,' dispatching 'mental health friends' to the 'adaptation guidance rooms for students who have been absent from their schools for a long time' or other places of the same kind, and sending volunteer students to some elementary schools in Handa-city for students with special needs.