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July 28, 2008

Training Report : July 14, 2008 : How to Write Project Plan Ⅰ

The six participants are requested to write and submit Project Plan at the end of the training in Japan. Two and half days workshops are programmed for them to acquire skills of how to write a project plan and how to make an effective presentation. The workshops are given by Ms. Sarajean Rossitto, convener of NGO People for Social Change, and today was the first day with her.

Ms. Sarajean explained about 12 topics to be covered in their Project Plan one by one. Many simple examples were shown so that the participants could understand how to write each topic easily. She also introduced many discussions in pairs, and therefore the participants could get more ideas and learn from each other. All the participants brought their computers today, so they could start typing their Project Plan during the workshops.

Learning how to write Project Plan is a very useful skill as it can be used as a base for project proposals or grant proposals. For all the participants, it was the first time to write a project plan like this, but through the step by step explanation, they could get a hang of it. Now that the participants have ideas of what to write in their Project Plan, they are asked to write a draft plan and bring it to the next session with her on 24th July.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0714.html

Posted by jicafriends at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

Training Report : June 27, 2008 PM : Process of Vocational Rehabilitation

Now that the participants understand the overall process of rehabilitation, in the afternoon, Mr. Yoshihiko NONAKA, another Planning Committee Members, gave a lecture on the Process of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Firstly Mr. Nonaka explained about 4 steps of vocational rehabilitation and main services. These four steps are (1) Counseling on Finding Employment, Vocational Assessment, (2) Preparation, Training for Work, (3) Employment Searching, Job Placement, (4) Work adjustment → Fruitful Life through Work.

Then he talked about the employment situation of persons with disabilities in Japan as well as the organizations/institutions which provide employment support to persons with disabilities. He introduced the Employment Quota System and the Levy and Grant System. In some of the participants' countries, they have quota systems but not levy and grant system. At the end Mr. Nonaka explained what process persons with disabilities take to get job placement. The participants now have clearer understanding of vocational rehabilitation.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0627.html

Posted by jicafriends at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)

Training Report : July 16 & 17, 2008 : Facilitator Skills

Second two days session with Mr. Ikezumi has come. This time, each participant had an opportunity to facilitate 30 minutes session. For the facilitation, they could choose any topics related to this course which they want to share or discuss with the group.

Some participants chose daily topics such as “shopping” or “laptop”, while others chose topics related to disabilities such as “how to use wheelchairs” or “what is disabilities.” Some participants introduced ice breaking exercises to start the session or to change the mood in the middle of the session.

After each session, the participants gave a lot of feedbacks to each other. These feedbaks helped each one to improve their facilitation in the future. After all facilitations, the participants wrote down on papers what messages were conveyed.

For all the participants, facilitator skills were something new, but after four days session with Mr. Ikezumi, they now have some idea. The participants could learn a lot of important things from Mr. Ikezumi and from each other.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0716.html

Posted by jicafriends at 02:39 AM | Comments (0)

Training Report : July 8, 2008 Morning: “Zao Suzushiro” Afternoon: “Kokoron”

In the morning the six participants observed the work site of Zao Suzushiro, where users with intellectual and mental disabilities make Tofu (Bean curd). Since good quality soy beans can be harvested in Zao region, Mr. Takeda decided to produce Tofu at his facility. Making Tofu is actually a hard work, however all the users have responsibility in each position and enjoy working together with fellow workers. JICA participants learned how to make Tofu and tasted fresh Tofu and understood why they can sell this Tofu well.

Six participants said good bye to “Zao Suzushiro” and left for Fukushima Prefecture by bus. All the participants admired the beautiful senery of rice paddy fields.

After two-hour drive, the participants arrived at “Kokoron” which is a Living Support Center for Persons with Mental Disabilities in Izumizaki Village. Ms. Yoshie Kumada, Director of “Kokoron” kindly cooked lunch for them. All the JICA participants enjoyed curry and salad.

Then they took part in the peer counseling session. Users shared their experiences and there they could express their emotions or feelings without worrying about the reaction of other people.

Mr. AkihikoTasaki, one of staff members of Kokoron, gave them a brief outline of Kokoron by using Power Point material.

In the evening, Kokoron staff and users kindly hold a welcoming party for the participants. Staff and members of Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie, which they were programed to visit next day, came all the way to join this party by driving nearly one hour. The participants very much enjoy the party and they were touched with the warm heart and the hospitality of people in Izumizaki and Samegawa.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0708.html

Posted by jicafriends at 02:36 AM | Comments (0)

July 25, 2008

Report from Asadullo Zikrikhudoev

Hello dear jicafriends,

In the Republic of Tajikistan on 8th July is declared as day of PWDs of
Tajikistan. We, disables this day have gathered at a monument of the leader of Tadjik people Ismoili Somoni. Then there were cultural entertaining actions celebrated

best regards,
Asadullo Zikrikhudoev.

Posted by jicafriends at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2008

Report from Rosario-Peru

Dear jicafriends,

How are you?

It's been a long time without writing and I am very ashamed of that.
I hope you can accept my apologizes.

Currently I am working in a NGO called AINTI Peru which means action for the tipholologic inclusion in Peru and we are working so hard in order to improve blind people's accesibility to reading materials.

My son is growing so fast, soon he will be 5 years tihs october 7.

I have read the information about the training course for this year and I was very surprised when I read that Peru was not included among the countries that can apply for it. I would like what's the reason that our country has not be considered in this opportunity because I have a friend who was interested in applying for this training course.

I always remember the course and the good days in Japan.

Rosario

Posted by jicafriends at 08:06 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : July 7, 2008 : Regional Visit Day 1

Lecture by Mr. Hajime TAKEDA,
Chairperson of the Board of Directors,
Social Welfare Corporation “Harakara Welfare Association”

One week regional training was programed in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, northeastan area of Japan.
Mr. Yoshihiko NONAKA, one of Planning Committee Members, is from Fukushima Prefecture. As he was familiar with the region, he gave a lot of valuable advices on the arrangement of this regional programs, and then he also accompanied the participants throughout this week.

Six participants took Shinkansen (Bullet train) for Shiraishi Zao in Miyagi Prefecture. It seemed the compartment No. 6 was occupied by JICA group.
They all enjoy two-hours private train trip.

After arriving at Shiraishi Zao, they took a bus to “Zao Suzushiro” (Suzushiro means Japanese white radish) to have a lecture by Mr. Hajime Takeda, founder of Harakara Social Welfare Corporation.
Harakara consists of eight main facilities and two branch facilities, and runs nine group homes (eight of which also function as care homes).
Total number of the users are 260.

Harakara is conducted under the following three philosophies.

1) Everyone is the same human being, whether he/she has disabilities or not, and whether the disabilities are severe or mild.

2) In order to realize an ordinary life in the local community, we aim to secure the monthly income of JPY150, 000 including the pension.

3) To work means to share a social responsibility, therefore, the challenging job should be secured.

All the participants were impressed to know Mr. Takeda's strong will which to secure the minimum wage JPY 75,000 for all the users.

Before going back to the hotel, they had a chance to visit a care home for persons with intellectual disabilities and six JICA participants witnessed users of Harakara enjoy independent life at the care home.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0707.html

Posted by jicafriends at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : July 4, 2008 : Job Report Presentation

In this training course, the participants are asked to write three reports:
Job Report, Project Plan, and Progress Report. Today the participants presented their first report, Job Report.

The venue was at the Waseda University's International Community Center (ICC). Waseda University is one of the most well-known Japanese universities with high reputation and the participants had a great opportunity to visit there today.

Job Report used to be called Inception Report but the name changed this year to Job Report. The participants gave a presentation focusing on their job in their home countries. Please click the below to see their presentation materials.

In the morning

Presentation 1: Participant from Bangladesh
Presentation 2: Participant from China

In the afternoon

Presentation 3: Participant from Fiji
Presentation 4: Participant from Laos
Presentation 5: Participant from Nepal
Presentation 6: Participant from Vietnam

Today's program was organized in collaboration with the ICC, which was this year's new attempt. Many student volunteers were involved in the program, making posters, advertising the program, setting up the presentation stage, taking a role as masters of ceremony, assisting the participants at lunch time, etc. Thanks to the ICC’s cooperation, there were a number of students and other audience attending the presentation today. During the lunch time and at coffee break, the participants enjoyed interacting and exchanging information with students.

A number of NGO workers, who were interested in disability and development issues, were also present among the audience and they raised a lot of questions and comments. The participants also asked some questions to each other. After all the presentations, Mr. Akira Terashima, one of the Planning Committee Members, gave comments to each one of presentations.

For today's program, JICA provided Japanese and English interpreters as not all Japanese audience understood English. This also made it possible to allocate Japanese sign language interpreters and note-takers by computer to guarantee information accessibility for all. The presentation went successful and we appreciate the contribution of everyone involved in preparation of today's program.

From the presentations, the participants and the Japanese related personals could understand what each participant does at their work and also as the employment situation of persons with disabilities in their country. At the end, the participants took a group photo with audience and student volunteers.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0704.html

Posted by jicafriends at 05:43 PM | Comments (0)

July 16, 2008

Training Report : July 3, 2008, PM Visit to Isetan Soleil

Disability is Power !

In the afternoon, the participants visited Isetan Soleil, Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary of Isetan Co., Ltd. which runs one of the most famous department stores in Japan, Isetan. On its way, the participants passed by Isetan department store in Shinjuku and observed from outside how big and popular it is.

As the participants arrived at the company, Mr. Shioden, President of Isetan Soleil, came out to the entrance to welcome them with his warm smile. Firstly, the participants watched a video of a program broadcasted by a big TV company which took up the employment promotion of persons with disabilities at Isetan Soleil. Then they visited the workplace where employees with intellectual and mental disabilities are working.

As entering the workplace, the participants could feel that all employees were very much concentrating on their own tasks. Everyone was preceding his/her duties steadily and diligently. At Isetan Soleil, 26 employees with disabilities are working together with three employees without disabilities who also act as job coaches. There are more than 80 kinds of works done at Isetan Soleil, Mr. Shioden explained. They are supplementary tasks which used to be done by sales staff at a shop in Isetan Department Store such as folding wrapping papers, making gift bags, sorting credit card sales slips etc.

The participants could also observe various devices created by job coaches and used by employees with disabilities to produce the same products. For example, a paper mould which has a cut in a shape of a gift sticker indicates where the sticker should be pasted and thus anyone can paste a sticker on a gift bag easily and accurately. The participants tried some tasks which looked easy, but they felt to do it accurately and repeatedly was not as easy as it looked.

After the observation of workplace, President Mr. Shioden gave lecture about the company and their efforts in employing persons with disabilities. The participants could learn that if the environment is appropriately arranged and the appropriate jobs are provided, persons with intellectual or mental disabilities can also work. Some participants commented that in their counties employment of persons with intellectual disabilities are not considered and they were surprised to see today that persons with intellectual disabilities could be a strong workforce.

From today's two visits to Swan Bakery and Isetan Soleil, the participants could learn a lot from how those private companies have strived for employing persons with disabilities not as charity or welfare but as business.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0703pm.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : July 3, 2008, AM : Visit to Swan Bakery

Today the participants had an opportunity to visit two special subsidiaries of famous Japanese companies in different industries.

In the morning, the participants visited “Swan Bakery Akasaka Shop” of Swan Co., Ltd. Swan Co., Ltd. is a special subsidiary of Yamato Holding Co., Ltd., one of the leading companies in the fields of its delivery, logistics etc.

Mr. Ayumu Kaizu, President of Swan Co., Ltd. explained about the company's efforts to employ persons with disabilities. The participants could learn a lot of clues for working with persons with disabilities from him; for example, there is no limit in the abilities of persons with disabilities; arrange the work environment and people can work; motivation is the best management resource etc.

Then the participants visited the bakery shop to observe how people with disabilities work. The participants could not distinguish employees with disabilities and without disabilities. One of staff with intellectual disabilities demonstrated Latte Art, which is a drawing on top of coffee with whipped milk. The participants got excited to see how beautifully done it was.

At Swan Bakery Akasaka Shop 50 different kinds of breads (1500 breads in total) are baked everyday. The participants witnessed how popular and busy the shop is, as at lunch time there was a very long queue of customers. They kindly prepared lunch box of three different breads for the participants and the participants could taste how delicious they are!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0703am.html

Posted by jicafriends at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)

July 14, 2008

Training Report : July 2, 2008 : Community Visit

Prof. Yoshimichi Ogawa, Planning Committee Member, organized today's visit to 3 homes of persons with severe disabilities in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

In the morning, the participants visited a home of a person who has quadriplegia due to cervical injury. She lives in a barrier-free flat of a public housing provided by Atsugi City, with her husband and a daughter. She uses personal assistance throughout a day, including volunteers of university students at night time. She told to the participants that she had to negotiate many times with the City Hall in order to obtain the services and conditions which she has now. The participants were impressed with her strong spirits.

Then the participants visited the Comprehensive Welfare Center of Atsugi City to have lunch at a restaurant “Donguri (acorn)” where persons with disabilities are working. They also quickly visited a consultation room located in the same building, where consultation services for all three types of disabilities ? physical, intellectual, and mental ? are conveniently provided in one location for the citizens of Atsugi City and some neighboring municipalities.

In the afternoon, the participants had an opportunity to visit a home of a person who has quadriplegia due to car accident and to learn about the “employment at home.” He is an employee of a special subsidiary of a famous company in the employment service industry in Japan. In stead of commuting to an office, he works at home using a computer. He explained both merits and demerits of working at home, and he emphasized how important “to work” is for him.

Lastly the participants visited a dream house. It's a barrier-free house designed by a couple with disabilities. The participants were amazed with various assistive devices and automated equipment. Participant from Laos tried an electric lift to transfer from a bed to toilet and then to a bathroom. Afterwards, he smiled and commented “it was rather comfortable.”

Before visiting this house, the participants had an opportunity to make a short visit to a community workshop where the husband works as a director and observe how people with disabilities work in a community.

From today's community visit, the participants could understand that even persons with severe disabilities can live independently in a community.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0702.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2008

Training Report : June 28-29, 2008 Home Stay

Discover the Japanese Lifestyle !

This weekend the participants enjoyed staying at homes of Japanese family, discovering what Japanese people’s life is like.

Each participant stayed at a different host family, so on the way to meet the family, the participants had felt excited but at the same time a little bit nervous.

But to meet the welcoming smiles of their host families, such worries disappeared. Their host families welcomed the participants, bringing handmade “welcome” signs or a board with participants' name on.

Just overnight stay was a short time. But now the participants have their second family in Japan. Thank you to Japanese families for your hospitality !

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0628.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)

July 05, 2008

United Voice Newsletter-Malaysia

Dear Friends,

Our new June edition Newsletter is available for viewing at our website. You can go to our website at http://www.unitedvoice.com.my to download the newsletter.

One of the highlight from our newsletter is UV’s Self-Advocacy Promotion in various states throughout Malaysia together with JICA & JOCV.

Enjoy reading!

Regards,

The United Voice Team

United Voice

http://www.unitedvoice.com.my

Posted by jicafriends at 06:11 PM | Comments (0)

July 03, 2008

Gov't Raises Minimum Quota for Disabled Employment-South Korea

Starting next year, the government will raise its mandatory employment quota for the disabled, translating into hundreds of new jobs for such people.
The Labor Ministry says the government and state-run institutions will raise their mandatory quota of disabled workers from the present 2 percent to 3 percent. The announcement came at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

At present, only 1.6 percent of all workers in the government are disabled and a little less than 2 percent at state-run institutions.
There are 87 government branch offices and 250 public institutions in Korea.

The increased quota is the latest move by the Lee Myung-bak administration, which favors creating job opportunities rather than strengthening welfare programs. An increase in the number of public institutions has also raised demand for more workers.

Labor Minister Lee Young-hee says employment is the best public welfare program for the disabled who are capable of working. In addition to employment, the ministry also plans to negotiate with educational institutions to encourage disabled persons to enroll at schools.

Arirang News

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200807/200807020004.html

Posted by jicafriends at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : June 25 & 26, 2008　Participatory Workshop: Facilitator Skills

Mr. Ikezumi YOSHINORI is a famous facilitator known for his participatory approach. He has worked as an NGO worker internationally including many of Asian countries which the participants are from.

There are four days with him during the training in Japan and we had the first two days. Everyone in the room was encouraged to give opinions and comments freely.

Using the simple materials and exercises, Mr. Ikezumi conveyed ideas and messages to the participants. Through discussion and exchange of ideas, the participants could learn about many key points in facilitation skills.

At the end of the two days session, some participants commented that they gained a new understanding on the disability, new approach to communicate with people, and even a new philosophy of life.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0625.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:06 PM | Comments (1)

Training Report : June 24, 2008 : Visit : National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities...

The first observation trip

Six participants visited a huge rehabilitation site, where you can find Rehabilitation Hospital, Rehabilitation Center including training for daily living activities, and Vocational Rehabilitation Center.

In the morning, the six participants observed comprehensive rehabilitation services at the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities. First they toured the employment promotion service section which helps trainees get jobs at open labor market, such as basic pre-work, laundry work, office work, worksite trainings. They can acquire basic skills for employment. And then the participants moved to the facility for the training for independent living. All participants were surprised to see the realistic setting for the training. Everyone couldn’t believe fishes, fruits, vegetables and other goods arranged in order are not real, but they are imitations! Weight of each good is carefully checked and it is made as the same weight as a real one to learn the actual work situation.

Just before lunch, the participants observed the prosthesis and orthosis. Can you tell which is a real hand and which is an artificial hand?

After the lunch, the participants visited the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities and firstly they watched an introductory video of the center. Then they toured the center to observe various vocational training programs offered at the center, inluding training course in Hotel Service for persons with intellectual disabilities.

The participants also visited the rehabilitation hospital and observed barrier-free bathroom, actually experiencing different kinds of toilets, how to use bath-board etc.

Before finishing today's program, they returned to the Rehabilitation Hospital to observe physical therapy and occupational therapy section. The participants also observed the bathroom and toilet, actually experiencing different kinds of toilets, how to use bath-board etc.

Today was a long day but the participants could have a overall observation of the rehabilitation services given at the national level.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0624.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : June 23, 2008 PM : Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities in Japan

The first lecture was given at the Ministry of Labor, Health.

It was about the Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities in Japan, given by Mr. Takao CHINONE, Special Advisor, in the field of welfare for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Chinone gave a comprehensive explanation on the topic, including historical development of welfare services for persons with disabilities, definition of disabilities, reform of health and welfare policies and measures for persons with disabilities, assistive devices, income security, measures related education and so on. Thus participants could gain an overall understanding of the welfare services for persons with disabilities in Japan.

On the way to the Ministry, the participants passed by the National Diet of Japan.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0623pm.html

Posted by jicafriends at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)

July 02, 2008

China ratified UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

News: China ratified UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
By Eric Guozhong Zhang (China Disabled Persons Federation)

On June 26th 2008, the 11th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China- China’s top legislative body, has ratified a bill submitted the Central Government for China’s accession to the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

As just reported by Xinhua Net, this was done at the 3rd session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in today’s afternoon (Beijing Time) (Original report in Chinese, see http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-06/26/content_8443666.htm)

China has actively advocated and supported to the UN in its efforts in formulating the CRPD Convention. Delegations and representatives of the Chinese Government and China Disabled Persons Federation participated the full process of drafting the CRPD Convention and made an important contribution to the process. China was on of the first countries signing the Convention on March 30th 2007, when the treaty opened for states to signing and ratifying.

The CRPD Convention is the first international legally-binding convention designed to protect and
promote the rights of persons with disabilities in a comprehensive manner. To date, there are 27 countries have become parties to the Convention by ratification and it has entered into force internationally on May 3rd 2008.

Posted by jicafriends at 06:10 PM | Comments (0)