July 13, 2011
Social Standards Requiring Reconsideration-By Katsunori Fujii
The Degree of Restoration of Daily Life of People with Disabilities Will Show the Real Strength of Japan
Katsunori Fujii
Executive Director, Japan Council on Disability
If only they didn't have disabilities…
The Great East Japan Earthquake struck elderly and disabled people alike without mercy. Many were crushed sitting in a collapsing house, and still many more were swept away in the tsunami waves or caught in the fire, unable to run away. Not a few with mental or autistic disorder must have been losing consciousness, merely trembling. If only they didn't have disorders… I cannot help imagining. Numerical analysis is yet to be carried out, but it is not hard to imagine that existence or nonexistence of disabilities directly translated into the difference between life and death. Many must have lost lives or are still unaccounted for because of the disabilities.
Difficulties for the persons with disabilities come in large quantities not only at the very moment of the disaster. New hardship awaits immediately thereafter, typically such as the power outage, disrupted water supply, and fuel shortage following the disaster. The life supporting devices, including the artificial respiration device, oxygen breathing apparatus, dialysis equipment, and suction machine (for suctioning sputum and spittle), all rely on electricity. Artificial dialysis requires a large amount of clean water. Outage of power and water can immediately mean outage of life. Electric wheelchairs and electric beds for prevention of pressure sore and for changing positions will be of no use without electricity.
The new hardship also includes life in evacuation. In particular, the life at evacuation centers are said to cause suffering. It may be all right immediately after the earthquake, but as the days pass by, persons with disabilities find it uneasy to stay on. People with autistic disorder, psychiatric disability, or cognitive disorder, as well as infants, cannot deal well with sudden and drastic changes in the environment. Many end up with weird language and behavior, which frequently results in troubles with the unimpaired. Some with palsy in limbs are unable to use non barrier-free toilets. The evacuation centers are a tough place for those with acoustic disturbance who cannot hear the signal telling arrival of relief supply, or for those with visual impairments who cannot move smoothly in a crowded space.
Just as at the time of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, not a few left the evacuation centers involuntarily. Some are said to have gone back to their own half-collapsed houses. Others, they say, are wandering around without any destination. Departure from the evacuation centers also mean departure from relief supplies and information. " A society that shuts out a number of its members is an impoverished society " is a phrase from the United Nations resolution in commemoration of the International Year of Disabled Persons (1981). The unprecedented disaster has stretched the regional societies to the extreme feebleness and fragileness. Unfortunately, persons with disabilities have been monstrously “shut out”. The enormous impact of the disaster coupled with the accident at the Fukushima I Nuclear Plant for which there is no clear roadmap to end the crisis, has made such “shutout” everlasting. Even at present, there must be measures that can be taken immediately to improve the life in evacuation. Prompt implementation of such measures is strongly urged.
Implement restoration and social security measures in integrated manner
The central concerns in supports are now shifting from the life saving and rescue operations at the initial stage to livelihood support of evacuees, and, at the same time, to restoration and reconstruction. Some emphasize that the reconstruction should not simply aim at restoring what was there: what is required is the flexible way of thinking for neogenesis and creation. In any case, structuring on a grand scale will begin in this vast area. In doing so, what is important is how to interpret the disaster. The huge earthquake was a natural phenomenon. So was the gigantic tsunami. Both were certainly natural disasters that could not be avoided. However, the resulting damages may not necessarily be so. A large portion of the damages was man-made. In the grand structuring in coming days, it is essential to ensure that such man-made disasters are done away with. The man-made disasters. They overlap the negative aspects that the nation's social policy has embraced. Then, their removal is essential not only for policies for reconstruction of the damaged regions and for provisions against the seismic activity that does not seem to be waning. It must be the basis for drastic turnaround of the nation's social policy, including changes in the energy policy. The issues of marginal settlements and collapsing medical systems are getting more and more serious in the earthquake-hit regions. These issues must also be addressed as part of the policy.
Let me elaborate on the matter in conjunction with our proposal from the standpoint of those working for people with disabilities. Let me tell the conclusion first--it is essential to bring the social standard, or social focus, back to human beings. During the past half century, the society changed overly rapidly so that growth, efficiency, and profitability are valued. The society, including regions, was remodeled based on these values. So was the structure of human mind. This is not comfortable to disabled and elderly people, who do not go well with efficiency and speed. Sooner or later, the laws and budgets (including supplementary budgets) for reconstruction measures will be established, and the reconstruction plan will be formulated accordingly. The largest issue is what to take up as the basis of the policy. As a barometer, please always bear in mind the idea that is generally accepted in developed countries: a society accessible to persons with disabilities is one accessible to all.
As the first step toward the ideal, what we would like the administration to do is to avoid viewing the reconstruction measures and social security policy as something mutually exclusive. The policy attitude should be that the prioritized allocation of social security budgets to the devastated regions forms the basis of reconstruction measures. Such a policy should be an invaluable message in visualizing the newborn Tohoku Area. We would like to work with local people to reconstruct the Tohoku Area that is attractive to persons with disabilities as well, no matter how long it takes. Hopefully, in the future, the "3.11" will be remembered as the turning point for the Japanese society as a whole toward the human-oriented one.
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/resource/press_release/fujii110512.html
Posted by jicafriends at 01:13 PM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2011
Cocoron and Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie in Fukushima
Dear jicafriends,
We reported about Zao Suzushiro on March 31.
http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/2011/03/zaosuzushiro_in.html
And today we finally could talk to Kumada san, director of Cocoron and Midorikawa san, manager of Samegawa. We haven't caught Shiraiwa san, director of Samegawa yet. Because they have been incredibly busy responding to all of the situations since March 11.
According to Kumada san, all members including staff are doing well there. Cocoron and Cocoroya did not suffer any direct damage from the earthquakes, but Cocoroya has been hit by Fuhyo higai (harmful rumors) because of radiation contamination.
Oki Daikichi brewery was badly damaged by the East Japan Great Earthquake on March 11. Beautiful kura (sake breweries) where we visited were collapsed.
Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie received affected elderly people, however they cannot get enough foodstuffs and cannot operate the noodle making machine, so they have difficulty providing them proper meals.
Kumada san and Midorikawa san said "we will try to step forward and deal with the situation."
We all feel Fukushima is our second home, we would like to continuously support Fukushima.
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2011
IDA Representative Speaks on Japan Earthquake for Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
April 11, 2011
Nagase Osamu spoke before the Committee on the Rights at Persons with Disabilities that is convening in Geneva this week about his observations following the March earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant breakdown in Japan. Nagase Osamu, a member of the Inclusion International Council who is involved with Japan Inclusion, spoke on behalf of the International Disability Alliance. His remarks follow below.
Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Fifth Session
Geneva, 11-15 April 2011
CRPD and Earthquake statement
Nagase Osamu
International Disability Alliance
Inclusion Japan/International
Thank you chair and all the members of this important Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for letting me speak on behalf of International Disability Alliance (IDA). My name is Nagase Osamu from Inclusion Japan, a national member of Inclusion International, which is a member of IDA.
I would like to say a few words about the big earthquake which hit the north-eastern part of Japan on 11 March and its implications to CRPD. In fact today marks exactly one month after this major disaster and many people are observing moments of prayer today. More than 27,000 people, mostly Japanese but people from different countries as well, have been found dead or missing.
As someone from Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all the kind thoughts and support provided to us from all parts of the world. Also personally I would like to apologize for the environmental damage caused by the radioactive leaks from nuclear power stations.
Last week I was in Miyagi, next to Fukushima, serving as a volunteer for the support center for persons with disabilities, established by Japan Disability Forum, which is a national network of disability organizations in Japan, and includes many members of IDA. Our organizations are doing our best.
In Miyagi, I could not believe my eyes when I visited the coastal areas hit by tsunami. The devastation is just beyond imagination and expression. But I was struck by the determination of persons with disabilities, their family members, supporters and the public in general, to meet this challenge.
There was one mother. When there was another big earthquake 30 years ago, the public nursery was closed for days and her daughter with intellectual disabilities, still small, had to stay at home for a long time. The mother, who provides day services now, is determined to keep her center open for those who need it. She resumed services on the following day of 12 March when there was no electricity or gas. Her center even provided food to the family members and community.
There was one blind man, a retired coal miner, in his late 80’s. When at home, he was on his own, with the map and geography of the neighborhood in his head. But his still new house was destroyed by tsunami. He had to evacuate to the school and now stays in its gymnasium. His mental map is no more useful and he needs much more support from his family members, including his grandchildren. He does his best not to take much water so that he does not have to go to the restroom often. Reasonable accommodation, community support services, and accessibility, they are all lacking.
These are just a few examples. There are so many episodes of courage as well as alienation, cases of inclusion, exclusion and discrimination. They show both the strength and weakness of our community. The disaster has made the existing inclusion and exclusion many times more obvious.
The disaster has reminded us the importance of the putting CRPD into practice, the important responsibility of States Parties and this Committee. Not only article 11 on situations of risk and humanitarian emergency, article 9 on accessibility, article 19 on living independently and being included in the community, and article 32 on international cooperation, to name a few, but the entire CRPD has to be put into practice. We are reminded of this in a very painful way. We humbly hope that lessons we are learning can contribute to the work of this Committee.
In closing, once again, those of us in Japan would like to thank all the expressions of solidarity as well as support from the international community and look forward to meeting the challenge of implementing CRPD with our friends and colleagues around the world.
Thank you very much for this opportunity.
http://www.usicd.org/detail/news.cfm?news_id=509&id=179
Posted by jicafriends at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2011
Heartfelt sympathy to my friends in Japan-Pakistan
My dear japani nation we know that you suffering a great panic condition these days due to earth quack and sonami, I believe that japan cannot be defeated, we Pakistani are with you. Be strong and let the world show that japan is a great power and remain a great power.
Regard to all my jica friends
Mehmood Arif
Ex participant leadership for pwds 2010
Pakistan
Posted by jicafriends at 04:15 PM | Comments (0)
April 06, 2011
Sympathy from Shalika-Sri Lanka
Sri Lankans have a strong bond with the people of Japan and and are constantly praying for their safety.
We were extremely shocked to hear and see the disaster struck areas and wish our Japanese friends the strength to rebuild and restart their lives.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem guard everyone in Japan.
Shalika Karunaratne
Member - Executive Committee
Sri Lanka Council for the Blind
74, Church Street, Colombo 02,
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2823075 / +94 71 4812267
Posted by jicafriends at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2011
Condolences From Around the World Pour in Following the March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami-JICA
March 24, 2011
The Japan International Cooperation Agency has received more than 3,000 messages of condolence and support from around the world in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami which devastated coastal parts of Japan.
The messages from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Oceania and South and Central America came from presidents, government ministries, international organizations, JICA partners and many individuals who have received training in Japan.
Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman expressed his condolences to the families of victims and hoped that “Japan will be able to overcome the disaster with the combined efforts of the government and people.”
“We would like to express our solidarity to all our colleagues at JICA and the people of Japan following the tragic loss of human life and extensive destruction suffered in the devastating earthquake,” wrote Martin Rivero Illa, director of Uruguay’s International Cooperation Department. “We are pleased to give any kind of support you may need (and) as much as possible.”
The Maldive Islands suffered massive damage during the 2004 tsunami which devastated many areas of the Indian Ocean and Pacific and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed visited JICA’s local office to express his sympathy. He offered food to affected areas in Japan, noting that his country has received major support in various fields from Japan in the past.
One official from the Kosovo Security Force who had undergone a three month training course in search and rescue in Osaka, cabled that JICA office: “My unit is ready to support the Japanese people with the skills which I learned there. We are with you.”
A girls’ school which was destroyed during an October 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan and subsequently rebuilt with Japanese support sent a photograph showing a group of students and a banner expressing their solidarity with Japan.
In addition to messages of condolence, mourning ceremonies and vigils were held in many parts of the world.
The day after the earthquake struck, lamplight ceremonies were held at Tibetan Buddhist temples in Bhutan.
Peru declared a day of national mourning on March 18 and flags were lowered to half-mast at state and military facilities.
In Turkey, flags were also lowered to half mast. Normally this ceremony is performed only once a year, on the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.
JICA provides technical assistance, grant aid and yen loans in an estimated 150 countries around the world. Ironically, in view of the disaster which struck Japan itself earlier this month, assistance often includes providing rescue, medical teams and emergency supplies to areas hit by natural disasters and other projects to provide countries with early warning systems and help them construct earthquake resistant buildings.
http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/field/2010/20110324_01.html
Posted by jicafriends at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
Heartfelt sympathy from Shalika-Sri Lanka
My dearest friends in Japan,
I hope all of you are safe and back in your home.
We are having special prayers for all of you. Even the President of Sri Lanka is holding special religious ceremonies for the safety of the Japanese people. I sincerely wish that you will not be affected by the radio active elements.
It must be hard for people with visual disabilities to get around these days.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem guard all of you through this hard period in your lives.
Shalika Karunaratne
Leadership Development 2006
Posted by jicafriends at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
Messege from Jose-Mexico
Dear jicafriends,
We received the following email from Mr. Jose Solano.
Jose visited Japan as a personal assistant for Ms. Verónica Rodríguez, a participant of Leaders Course 2004.
Jose first gave us a Japanese messege as follows,
"Watashi wa hontoni gomen* nasai"
We were so impressed by his Japanese message and we could feel his heartfelt sympathy to us.
Today another messege has arrived from Jose.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all jicafriends' continuing support and encouragement.
***************************************************
Me da mucha alegria saber que estes bieen y con tu familia, lo del terremoto me causo mucho dolor en mi corazon porque ustedes y su pais son mi segundo hogar y los quiero mucho si puedo hacer algo para ayudar diganme como. La distancia se acorta cuando hay voluntad. Para todos un fuerte abrazo y todo mi cariño para todo el pueblo japones.
***************************************************
(translation)
I am so happy to know that you and your familiy are ok.
My heart aches so much for the earthquake, since your contry, Japan is my second home.
I really would like to do something to support you, please tell me how.
The distance will be shortened when you have will.
A Big hug and all my love to all Japanese people.
Jose Solano
PA for Ms. Verónica Rodríguez, a participant of Leaders Course 2004
Posted by jicafriends at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
March 31, 2011
Sincerest sympathy-Philippines
Dear my friends in Japan
My sincerest sympathy to what happened and experiencing difficulties in your country. All i can say is I CARE to all your people. God Bless Japan..
Rocky Macaspac
Vocational Rehab. Course 1997
Posted by jicafriends at 04:52 PM | Comments (0)
Information on Tohoku-Kanto Great Disaster
Dear jicafriends,
We really appreciate your heartfelt emails concerning our safety.
We have no words to express our gratitude to all jicafriends.
Please obtain the information related to Tohoku-Kanto Great Disaster from following pages.
We will keep sending you information.
The secretariat of jicafriends
*************************************************************
DINF(Disability Information Resources)
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/resource/tohoku_earthquake.html
DPI Japan
http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/2011/03/leaflet-of-port.html
Twitter by Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi of Asia Disability Institute
http://twitter.com/yuki_adi
AAR Japan
http://www.aarjapan.gr.jp/english/
JEN
http://www.jen-npo.org/en/index.htmlhttp://jenhp.cocolog-nifty.com/jen_blog/tohoku_earthquake/index.html
Ms. Serajean Rossito blog page
http://sarajeans-notes.blogspot.com/
Posted by jicafriends at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)
Zao-Suzushiro in Miyagi
Dear jicafriends,
As you know a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and Tsunami hit Tohoku rigion, some of the workshops of persons with disabilities in Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate prefectures were badly damaged.
Today we could contact staff of Zao Suzushiro in Miyagi prefecture, where Decent Work participants visited in 2005 and 2008.
Unfortunately two facilities of Zao Suzushiro near the coast were partially collapsed in the quake and some of the users lost their family members, however all the users and staff are well there.
The disaster has also caused serious damage to electric, gas and water supplies, but now all the lifelines are back to normal and they could start producing Tofu again.
Training Report 2008:
http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0707.html
http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0708.html
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2011
All friends in Japan-Nepal
Dear jica friends
Many many thanks to god that my all JICA friends and JSRPD friends are in safe.I pray the good for stop the trials as soon as possible.
Regards
Rama Dhakal
Vocational and Rehabilitation and employment promotion and decent work of person with disabilities 2007
Posted by jicafriends at 01:02 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2011
All friends in Japan
Dear JICA friends and all the friends in Tokyo International Center,
I didn't try to log on this website before. But after the earthquake, I am really worried about Takano San, Yamaguchi san and other old friends in JICA and in the Tokyo Center. I tried to contact by email but some are contected while some emails were returned. Finally I find this website and try to pay my warmest regards to all of you.
I was shocked to see the earthquake and the after coming disaster. And I feel very sorry that how bad the situation is. Tears couldn't help to break in my and my friends' eyes while we watched the TV.
I am writing to want you know that there are a lot of people are caring about you and supporting you mentally. I wish you don't feel alone when fighting the current situation. I hope and believe things will get better. Please take care.
Best regards,
Mei LU
Posted by jicafriends at 11:58 PM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan
I have a painfully thinks for thousand of persons died et disappered; but i am sure that japaneese people will be able to repair all what the disaster has damaged.My best regards for all People of Japan.All the country of the World are with you .
mr Ammar OOUCHENE An old friiend of JICA (1977 )
Posted by jicafriends at 11:56 PM | Comments (0)
To Console all of Japanese Friends-Bangladesh
Dear Keiko san, all friends in japan, and jicafriends,
Hi - Konnichiwa!
I didn’t forget the and Greetings`Ohayo Gozaimadu; `Konnichiwa;`Arigato Gozaimasu’.I did not forget those memorrable days in Jica TIC Centre in Japan.
I did not forget hospitality of JSRPD & TIC’s staff and Jica Friends & other friends.
We have been seen the pictures of devastated earthquake and tsunami in the Television Live program and news from Daily news papers.The sudden earthquake and tsunami of Japan shocked us all.
Mr. Vashker also time to time Inform us all of JSRPD’s and Jica Staff has safely well.
I wish to know that after tsunami Zoa –suzushiro’s ,all of group home’s member, Kokoron & Kokorya’s Producer, Japanese mushroom Cultivation place Tsuburaya kinoko , Madeiniyn, SAKE factory’s employee, Samegawan Tampoponoie Villegers & Friends & Shirawa, Spa Resort Hawaiians hotels employee , Kayaki -tufe workshop & their group homes friendly shops, Iwaki emploments friends etc.how are them?
How the people of Atsugi Group Kan’s Mouth Painters Mrs. Matsuda san, Mr. jinno and couple of Yasuo Machida and Mieko Machida. How are them?
We 6 participants in 2008 went to Regional Trip Fukushima and Miyagi prefecture.
I will never forget their friendly and Social contribute.
How are Mr. Nonaka san, Teresima san, Sadaie san & her assistant dog, Masaco san, Nomura san, Fujita san, Mr Ogawa san, Baba san, Miyoshi san, Matsura san, KANO Yoshiaki(Director General- Jica) and Others.
I hope all of our Japanese friends will recover from the shock soon.
With Best regards-
Sadia
Participant of Jica-Vocational Rehabilitation Employment For persons with Disabilities-2008
YPSA
BANGLADESH.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2011
For all the japenese nation-Pakistan
I did my my two months training at TIC and Nanzan College Nagoya in 2000.
I believe that Japan is a country of great people.
My best wishes are for you people and I believe you all will overcome this great loss.
I especiaaly request if any body can send me the contact of K. Obayashi San.
I would be extremely greatfull.
looking forward for your response.
Dr Naila Israr
Islamabad, Pakistan.
Posted by jicafriends at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2011
Support information for 2011 Tohoku Kanto Earthquake
For obtaining support information on the earthquakes and Tsunami, please click here:
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/resource/tohoku_earthquake.html
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 05:46 PM | Comments (1)
March 21, 2011
All friends in Japan
Dear Jicafriends,
I am thankful knowing that you are sound and safe but still saddened of the crises that continuously
struck Japan till now. I hope and pray that all of these trials will stop soon.
I am also confident that you can surpass all of these sufferings. Japanese people are really united,
strong-willed and helpful, traits which are needed in nation-building.Please stay strong and take good care
of yourselves!
I also hope that our coordinators from JICA Tokyo, Izumi San and Tsutsumi San are fine.
mitos delco
Posted by jicafriends at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)
Message from Esteban san-Colombia
Hello dear friends
Since the day of the earthquake I been thinking of all the people of Japan and I´ve been parying/doing all kinds of meditations sending good energies and positive vibrations for all of you.
Esteban Awad Tobón
Leadership Development Course 2010
Posted by jicafriends at 03:56 AM | Comments (0)
March 18, 2011
Emergent Disaster Relief Headquarters-Japan
17 March 2011
Dear friends,
On behalf of my colleagues, I sincerely appreciate messages of concern and sympathy from all over the world.
On March 11, massive earthquake hit east-northern part of Japan. The earthquake recorded unhistorical scale - Magnitude 9.0 - and caused tens of thousands of causalities. Hundreds of persons with disabilities are highly suffered from this disaster.
DPOs in Japan immediately set up an emergent disaster relief headquarters at Japan Council on Independent Living Centers (JIL) and appointed me as director. The headquarters started operation on March 15 in collaborations with DPI-Japan and various groups of persons with disabilities of all over Japan.
Director: Shoji Nakanishi (Japan Council on Independent Living Centers)
Deputy Director: Ichiji Makiguchi (Yumekaze Foundation)
Founders:
DPI-Japan – Satoru Misawa, Akiyoshi Yamada, Koji Onoue, Yukihiro Okuyama, Takushi Yatsuyanagi
Japan Council on Independent Living Centers –Suzuko Nagai, Kozo Hirashita, Shoji Nakanishi, Satoshi Sato
Tokyo Council on Independent Living Centers – Toshihiko Noguchi, Akihisa Yokoyama, Noboru Imamura
Yumekaze Foundation – Ichiji Makiguchi, Toshio Kusunoki
National United Association for Fighting Against Discrimination – Sakuji Matsuba
local organizations: Toru Edo (AJU Center for Independent Living), Shunji Kamata (Mainstream Association)
Network to Promote Inclusive Education – Sayo Kitamura, Keiko Seikai, Shigeru Tokuda
In disaster plagued areas, serious shortage of fuel and electricity is a big problem. Personal assistants cannot reach to users' home. Respirator users have difficulty in obtaining electric power. Even if they have generators, it is difficult to use portable generator due to lack of fuel. Shortage of food is also serious.
Currently, we have many offers from friends with disabilities from all over the world. The disaster relief headquarters will open bank account by April 22 to receive credit card donation. Then the headquarters will immediately send notice on the account. We also highly appreciate if our friends open the account to receive donation in your own region or country for us.
Attached please find the petition made by Japan Disability Forum.
Sincerely yours,
Shoji Nakanishi
Director
Relief Headquarters for Persons with Disabilities of Tohoku-Kanto Great Earthquaters
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Attachment
14 March 2011
Mr. Naoto Kan, the Prime Minister of Japan
Mr. Ritsuo Hosokawa, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
Mr. Yukio Edano, the Chief Cabinet Secretary
Ms. Renho, the Minister of State
Eiichi Ogawa
President of Japan Disability Forum (JDF)
URGENT PETITION FOR THE SUPPORT TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFFECTED AREAS
Japan Disability Forum appreciates your great efforts to promote disability policies.
This time, many persons with disabilities are also affected by the earthquake hitting Tohoku region.
Through our experiences of past earthquakes, we learn persons with disabilities in affected areas faced a lot of difficulties. Now, they need special and urgent supports and accommodations.
In this regard, JDF would like to request the followings urgently:
1. Please immediately check the facts on persons with disabilities in affected areas through local governments and disabled people's organizations in community.
2. For all the broadcasting industries and other medias including private ones, please ensure the informational accessibility (sign language, captioning, giving explanations etc.) of emergency announcement, information on evacuation and press conferences. Please provide information that is easy to understand.
3. Please secure electric source for respirators and artificial dialysis equipments. Please secure necessary medical treatment as well as medicines, catheter, ostomy appliances, oxygen bottles and other appliances/devices.
4. At the shelters, please ensure the following accommodations:
- Physical accessibility for persons with physical disabilities (including ramps and wheelchair-accessible bathroom)
- Informational accessibility for persons with sensory disabilities (including sign language, captioning and audio information)
- Information that is easy to understand for persons with intellectual disabilities
- Support to secure medical treatment, medicines and appliances/devices.
And provision of necessary accommodations including space to take rest for those who need it including persons with psychiatric disabilities, developmental disabilities and chronic diseases.
In addition, please bring materials and provide supports to welfare centers and other private shelters which are used for shelters for persons with disabilities.
5. Please secure the personal assistants to support persons with disabilities (including those who evacuate outside the affected areas). And please provide accommodations to persons with disabilities including vehicles, fuels and securing other necessary facilities in order to ensure the mobility and life of persons with disabilities.
6. In the recovery process, please provide special supports, including allocation of supplementary budget, in order to rehabilitate institutions for persons with disabilities, sheltered workshops and housings. And please secure the housing for persons with disabilities including the provision of public housings.
●Japan Disability Forum (JDF)
- Federation of Organizations of the Disabled Persons
- Japan Federation of the Blind
- Japanese Federation of the Deaf
- Japan Council on Disability
- Japan National Assembly of Disabled Peoples' International
- Inclusion Japan
- Spinal Injuries Japan
- National Federation of Mental Health and Welfare Party in Japan
- Japan National Council on Social Welfare
- Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities
- Japan National Group of Mentally Disabled People
- Japan Deafblind Association
- All Japan Association of Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened People
A bank account for the support will open on March 23.
Posted by jicafriends at 03:01 PM | Comments (1)
All friends in Japan-Tajikistan
I have grief when I hear the information on Japan.
I pray that at the people of Japan all was good.
Sincerely condolences to the Japanese people.
regards,
Asadullo Zikrikhudoev
Chairman
PO Society of persons with disabilities of Dushanbe "IMKONIYAT"
4, Kurbon Rakhimova Str., Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Posted by jicafriends at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan-Kazakhstan
My dearest friends! I pray for you and all Japanese people at this terrible time. Me and my PA Takhir remember your warmest hospitality and the hospitality of our host family. Now here in Kazakhstan we are ready to invite and to be a host homes for those who need it.
With love and Big Hope, Lyazzat (Vocational Rehabilitation Course, 2007)
Posted by jicafriends at 03:12 AM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2011
Dear all friends in Japan, Greetings from Nepal!
I am worried when I watched television regarding earth quick and tsunami. I can’t express in words which I though about terrible for Japanese People. Please receive my sympathy and may god help you in these very critically moments.
Kiran Shilpakar
Decent Work Course 2009
Posted by jicafriends at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)
Dear Respected Japanese friends-Pakistan
On behalf of my department, Pakistan Bait ul Maal Governement of Pakistan, I would like to invite you to be the chairpersons of the ceremony for the memorial of earth quake affected people of Japan.
The great Japanes people strugle hard for making their country and all the world learn from their practicle experiences of hardship. Japan always been helping other countries in all possibled means and ways expanding all the available resources in any difficult situation. Now this is the challenging time for Japan and we the Pakistani people want to share that our hearts, prayers and all strenghths are for you. We would like to share our condolness in this tragdic time. We learn from the earth quake in 2005 that every disaster has an other oppertunity to improve the life.
Hundereds of Pakistani childeren will present the the rose flowers to Japanese Flag with prayers to become more flourish. Ther efore your kind valueable presence will grace the occasion and prove tp be sorure of unity and empowerment as well.
Venue: Sports Complex Islamabad
Time: 4pm
For more information please contact me any time.
Shafiq Ur Rehman
Make the Right Real
Office:0092519250480
Posted by jicafriends at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2011
All friends in Japan-Chile
Dear Jicafriends,
I know Japan will rise as the sun. Japan's very heart is strong and brave. I pray night and day. we, your friends ae in deep debt with japanese people, the first ones to ever help other country.
carlos kaiser
Posted by jicafriends at 09:34 PM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan
Dear JSRPD staff and JICA officers,
Good afternoon!
I thank God that you are all safe there in Tokyo. I have been worrying and wondering what happened to the "home and family" I had stayed in/with for almost six months then.
I would continually pray for all your safety and for the fast recovery of your country from the present crisis.
To those who are grieving for their lost family members, may the Lord God bless them and comfort them.
Mabuhay kayo!
Elna Ruth Casasola
participant of First Group Training Course in Modules on Fundamental Official Statistics(2 October 2005 † 16 March 2006)
Posted by jicafriends at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan-Philippines
I'm so happy and grateful to hear that you are all safe out there. When the tsunami happened last Friday, I was reminded of what one Japanese told me when I was there in 2005 that Japan will be hit by tsunami five (5) years after. It really happened.
That afternoon, we just met with some Japanese together with a lady PWD athlete who is a world champion. When I returned to the office, I was shocked to learn that Japan was hit by tsunami, bringing great devastation in a number of prefectures out there.
I just hope and pray that your country will gradually recover from all this. Just keep your faith alive. Just continue to pray for God's healing and restoration.
Regards to everyone in JSRPD. God bless you all!
Donnabelle V. Baldonado
Philippines, Leaders' Course 2005
Posted by jicafriends at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan - Chile
My condolences to the Japanese people for the death of thousands of people, I know I may rise again and rebuild your beautiful town.
Always remember them, force Japan!!!!!
Saludos cordiales,
Lilian Garrido Vasquez
Coordinadora Unidad de Discapacidad - CCR
Posted by jicafriends at 03:45 AM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2011
We Are Condoling on You-Mongolia
Dear Sirs and Madams
We, Mongolian National Federation of the Blind are feeling deep sorrow for Japanese faced earthquake, fire, and tsunami and more disaster and damage.
We are deeply commiserating for dead people during the earthquake and massive damage.
In this bad time, all Mongolian people and we or Mongolian blind people should be with you all the time and we are understanding of you and yearning of obstacles of yours during the disaster and damages.
Mongolia is arranging activity of supports for Japanese people in nationwide and Mongolian National Federation of the Blind is organizing supporting activities for Japanese blind people during the disaster in Japan.
We are hard believe of this bad time finish and we should be with you all the time.
Please, you are very kindly to receive of ours commiseration, condolence, and participation in Japanese suffering.
Yours faithfully,
BAYASGALAN Maidar
President
Mongolian National Federation of the Blind
P. O. Box: 511/36
Ulaanbaatar: 210136
Mongolia
Website: http://www.mnfb.mn/
Posted by jicafriends at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
Message from Nanci-Mexico
Hi, I am Nanci from Mexico.
I am very worry for Japan and their people, please tell me if I can help you, because my mind and my heart are with Japanese people.Con afect Nanci
Nanci Villegas Tapia
Vocational Rehab. Course 2003
Posted by jicafriends at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)
My sincere condolences to Japan friends
During the last four days, many news have arisen about the tremendous tragedy the Japanese people (and specially those from Sendai), are facing due to the earthquake and Tsunami. Please receive my sympathy, and may God help you in these very critical moments.
Mr. Rafael Garibay
Ex JICA Tokyo International Centre participant, early 1993
Industrial Solid Waste Recycling Technology Course
Posted by jicafriends at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)
All friends in Japan-Costa Rica
As Andrea Vargas says, I remembered when I was in Japan in early 1993.
During my Industrial Solid Waste Recycling Technology course,
I got to know the Japanese people as very friendly and cultured.
Please receive my sympathy and condolences for the loss of many lives due to the recent earthquake and Tsunami.
May God help you in these difficult moments, through the help of many rescue teams and international aid.
Rafael Garibay
Posted by jicafriends at 01:28 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2011
All friends in Japan-Jordan
I am writting to extend my deepest sympthies to my japanese friends.
I was very disheartening to hear recent news about earthequake in Japan.
I feel much sorrow seeing much miserable conditiond.
Practioners of different faith have contribuation and dicated their prayers for the victims of the earthequake disaster.
I, too would like to express my sympathy to those victems by sharing sorrow with family members specially my Japense disabled friends and dedcating my daily prayers for thier rest.
With Deepset Smpathy
Dr. Saleh Alshurfat
Leadership Development Participants 2008
Posted by jicafriends at 05:09 PM | Comments (0)
Hi from Costa Rica
Dear friends in Japan,
This is Andrea Vargas from Costa Rica. Today March 11, I woke up with the news of big earthquake in Japan, I immediately thought about all of you. I hope that everybody is doing ok after this event. Please say hello to all.
Best regards and a big big hug!!
Vargas Carmiol Andrea
Leadership Development Course 2006
Posted by jicafriends at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)
condolence from Qaseem-Afganistan
Dear my friends in Japan
Konechiwa
I pray to God that all of you, your families and friends will be alright,
I am writing this email to state my deep condolence and sympathy for those who lost their lives in the tsunami and earthquake as well as for injured Japanese people as well.
When I saw the Breaking News on TV yesterday, I was feeling that half of my family is their facing this serious and panic problem, I can’t forget those who taught me many things during my training (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Support of persons with disabilities) in the year 2004.
I hope that all the injured people will get well very soon and I hope that God will keep this kind nation safe.
I wish I could be there and take care of you!
Yours Truly,
Mohammad Qaseem Wardak,
Kabul, Afghanistan
Vocational Rehab. Course 2004
Posted by jicafriends at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
Worry about you-Kazakhstan
Dear friends in Japan
We follow terrible news from Japan.
It is very sad but we admire of Japanese people and your courage.
i hope that your family and friends are well.
We pray for you.
We are always with you,
Sincerely yours,
Kassiyet Omarova
Leadership Development Course 2009
Posted by jicafriends at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)
keep on going-Chile
Dear friends,
I called you beloved brothers and sisters, because when Chile was down you helped my country. all of you gave us support. Japan is Chile's best friend.
I had warm feelings and eternal frienship with all of you. Now is my time to help Japan, my second country and beloved land. I do not know now what to do but I will figure it out, and please tell me what is needed. I know my country is not a developed one, and I am neither rich nor powerfull or resourcefull, but I will do anything needed.
all my love and all my self is with you
--
Carlos Kaiser Mansilla
Leaders Course 2003
Posted by jicafriends at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
We share your grief-Mexico
TO ALL OUR JAPANESE FRIENDS JOSE AND I ARE WITH YOU IN OUR HEARTS. WE HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES ARE O.K. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO, LET US KNOW.
Verónica Rodríguez
Leaders Course 2004
Posted by jicafriends at 02:47 PM | Comments (0)
Worry about my friends-Syria
I am Ivery sad what has happened in Japan
I hope that you will be all fine and I am confident that you can overcome the crises and disasters
I love you
Nawal Nijm
Leadership Development 2010
Posted by jicafriends at 02:44 PM | Comments (0)
To All my friends in Japan-Uganda
Dear good friend
I know the trouble, agony and pain you are going through
I am so sorry for the disaster of the earthquake and the Tsunami
May the good Lord conformt you and we in uGNADA WE are praying for you
Your friend and brother
Miiro San
Miiro Michael
Leadership Development Course 2008
Posted by jicafriends at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)
Praying for Japan - We hope your loved ones are ok-Colombia
Dear Friends of Japan!
I´m absolutely speechless with the magnitude of the tsunami disaster ... very sad images in the news.
We pray for you and accompany you deep from our hearts at this time of difficulty.
We love Japan and its people... may God protect you and take care of those in need.
--
Fabio Padilla and family
Colombia & Brazil
Posted by jicafriends at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)
Earthquake and Tsunami
Dear Jicafriends:
Have you planned any kind of help for our Japannesse friends who are now facing the hostility of nature?
Please count on me!!!!!!!! Is there anything I can do to help?
Sincerelly,
Rocio Blanco de Lusky
(1993 Trade and Investment Promotion JICA-WTC)
Posted by jicafriends at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)
We are all fine here in Tokyo
Dear jicafriends,
We appreciate that we've received many emails from jicafriends, worrying about our safety,
Formunately we, JSRPD staff including JICA officers at JICA Tokyo are safe and sound.
However over 10,000 people are still missing and so many people lost their families, relatives and friends because of Tohoku-chiho Taiheiyo-oki Jishin, the biggest earthquake ever to hit Japan on March 11.
The earthquake struck at 2.46pm with a magnitude of 9.0, triggering tsunami including higher than a 10-meter wall of water that submerged residential areas and farms and washed away scores of people, vehicles, boats and devastated ports.
The good news is that Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie and Cocoron were not damaged by the earthquake and all users and staff are fine there.
We really thank many jicafriend countries, who supported, are supporting and will support us mentally and physically.
Please stay in touch with us!
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 12:31 PM | Comments (1)