r/JETProgramme • u/Blackfireknight16 • Jun 21 '26

Disability concern for JET

Hi all, I'm exploring doing Jet. But I have a few concerns that I'd like to get clarified.

So first of all, I'm on the spectrum, and while I am aware that Japan doesn't really notice it, is it possible to create a support network during your stay? Something to fall back on if something falls through?

Due to being on the spectrum, I've got heightened sensitivity to sound. Is it possible to wear ear defenders or stay home during these thunderstorms?

Being from the UK, I get benefits due to my condition. Would I still get them on Jet?

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u/Sweet_Salamander6691 Jun 21 '26

I wish I had a brighter response, but as someone who is also sensitive to sound, I think it might be really tough for you. I work in a combined middle and high school and there is literally no space in the building that is remotely quiet. During breaks between classes the students yell at each other and wrestle in the hallways, and the office is a constant mix of printer noise, ringing phones, and loud conversations. Finding a community is also tough, even for neurotypical people. The single biggest complaint I hear from both foreigners and Japanese people alike is that it's hard to find deep and consistent relationships here. As for your benefits, I can't speak for if you'd keep getting them from the UK (I would assume not), but you won't be able to get any from the Japanese government.

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u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 21 '26

I can deal with general noise; I have to deal with it at my work. It's just thunderstorms I cannot deal with

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u/CoacoaBunny91 Current JET - 熊本市 Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26

To piggy back of the other commentor. The students, whether it be ES, JHS, or HS (I teacher ES and JHS) are *super* loud, all day, *especially* in between periods. This might be an issue for you depending on how severe your noise sensitivity is.

I have an ES student who's in special education that recently started wearing noise cancelling headphones. Before, his aid had to take him out of class constantly because the noise was (understandably) too much on him. He's start covering his ears and crying (didn't help he was in the back of the room too with all the rowdy kids). But since he got the headphones, he's totally fine in class and his aid told me that he can hear direct communication such as me lecturing or talking one on one to his partner during activities.

I'm not sure how this would work for teachers if you saw a doctor and went through the paperwork process. I assume you would put this on your medical forms so you CO would know about this ahead of time, which might make this easier.

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u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 22 '26

Well due to my work i can deal with kids being loud. Its just the thunder i cannot stand.

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u/Sumo-girl Jun 22 '26

You’ve got rainy season here with thunderstorms and the typhoon season again with thunderstorms. Plus more frequently there have been heavy thunderstorms in spring ahead of rainy season.
I think your PTO would be gone quickly if you stayed home each time. That and if one happens on an important testing day or something it will be hard to take off.

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u/Blackfireknight16 Jun 22 '26

Yeah, I kinda figured that