It was a clear autumn day. The participants visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. Mr. Ueno, chairperson of Planning Committee and Mr. Kanoya who is a regular user of this center accompanied us all day today.

In the morning, the overview of the sports center was explained to the participants by Mr. Muramatsu, Deputy-director of Sports Support Division. He has been working for the center more than 20 years since its establishment. Mr. Muramatsu then introduced them various sports devices with which persons with even severe disabilities can enjoy sports safely. Some of those devices are very expensive to buy, however Mr. Muramatsu said that it could be made by hands by utilizing local materials which has similar characteristics. For instance, you may be able to substitute balls with metal inside for the sound table tennis with round-shaped plants' seeds which make noise when you shake.

Then the participants went on a tour to observe all the facilities; gymnasium, swimming pool, table tennis and sound table tennis, sports field, tennis court etc. The center also has barrier-free accommodation for persons with disabilities and the participants got excited to see Japanese Style rooms with Tatami mattress.

In the afternoon, the participants could choose sports that they want to try ! They were divided into three groups and experienced sound-table-tennis, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair badminton. At least one trainer was assigned to each facility and the participants could get instructions on the sports and enjoy it fully and safely despite all of them did not have previous experience.

Mr. Muramatsu concluded today's program by saying “The main aim of the center is to contribute to the realization of the principle of normalization through the promotion of sports and we have strived to promote the sports activities which persons with disabilities, persons without disabilities, and local residents are able to enjoy together.” The participants could deepen their understanding of the positive influence that the sports have on physical and mental aspects of persons with disabilities and also its important roles to promote more inclusive society.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1101.html

Today, each participant made a presentation on the organization which they belong to, their job, and their personal history. This session used to be called “Personal Report Presentation” focusing on participants' personal background. However, from this year more emphasis is put on their organization and their work.

Another characteristic of the presentation this year was its venue. Instead of JICA Tokyo seminar room, it was held at the International Community Center (ICC) of Waseda University. This university is one of the most prominent Japanese private universities and it is also known for its established support services for students with disabilities which are not often available at many of universities in Japan yet.

At the presentation, consecutive interpreter as well as sign language interpreter was prepared to secure information and communication accessibility to all. As a result there were a number of audiences from various organizations: some lecturers of this course, others from non governmental organizations in the field of disability and development issues. Also several Waseda University students joined the session and asked many sharp questions. The participants also raised questions and gave comments to each other.

Today the participants as well as the related Japanese personnel could have good information on personal background and work and deepen understanding of each other. We would like to show our appreciation to the ICC, Waseda University for their cooperation in offering the location.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1031.html

Peer counseling assumes that we all have the following philosophy: all human beings have creativity, wisdom, love, joy, and solidarity in abundance. This philosophy, an intrinsic part of all human beings, is easy to upset; therefore, in order to protect ourselves, we prepare defensive mechanism like fear and insecurity. As long as we are unable to discuss these hurt feelings and be comforted, we make decisions and take action based on our hurt feelings and sorrow rather than on clear, logical thought.
As long as these hurt feelings are not resolved by talking with someone else, the person's actions are filled with anguish and clear, rational thinking does not take place.

The participants seemed to be perplexed in the beginning because it was entirely the new method for all of them. But as the program was proceeded, they became to be curious to know about it.

In the afternoon, they went through session which they shared time equally to talk about their problems or experiences. The details cannot be explained here. If you would like to know of it, you should join us in the program.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1106.html

What are the important principles to be good leaders ?

Mr. Yoshinori IKEZUMI, the facilitator of this workshop, has over 30 years of experience in conducting participatory approach workshop in Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and the other Asian countries.

Mr. Ikezumi started the first day by this word “this session is not going to be teaching, but we would like to exchange and share ideas that you have with all participants”.

He always threw back questions when participants asked a question. In this way, all participants were encouraged to speak up, share more ideas, and deepen their understanding of issues. He also presented about origin of key words which relates to disability and necessary skills of leaders.

The participants could come up with lots of new ideas which they can utilize for raising awareness of the community people.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1029.html

Do people with disability in your country go to where they want to go, when they want to go, in a way they want to go ? Or do they only go to where they CAN go ?

In this morning, the participants were divided into 3 groups for accessibility check of transportation and building in Tokyo Metropolitan City. They left JICA Tokyo heading for 3 different famous sites in Tokyo as below.

Group 1: Ferris wheel “Big O”
Group 2: Roppoongi - Tokyo Midtown
Group 3: Hachiko (Statute of Japan's Most Faithful Dog)

While heading for the destinations, they checked various barrier-free facilities and devices provided for persons with disabilities. All participants were very much impressed about train staffs who came down to a platform with a portable ramp to assist wheelchair users. At the station where they get off, the train staff there was already waiting with a portable ramp ready to provide assistance. Very good communication between stations !

Today the participants were blessed with beautiful Japanese autumn weather and they enjoyed their tour.

In the afternoon, Mr. Yoshiaki IMAFUKU, Transportation Affairs Officer, Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International (DPI-Japan), gave an explanation of each barrier-free facility, by looking at photos taken during the accessibility check this morning.

Then Mr. Imafuku raised two questions to the participants: (1) Why is it important for persons with disabilities to be able to go anywhere they want ? (2) If persons with disabilities don't have personal mobility, what rights will they be deprived of ?

He lectured about the brief history of making transportation accessible in Japan by taking about his involvement and achievement. The participants shared their ideas of personal mobility and how it is related to other spheres of life such as education, social life, employment as well as psychological aspects.

Through the accessibility check and the lecture, the participants could understand the importance for persons with disabilities to be able to go to places they want to go or need to go.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1028.html

Nine participants of Leadership Development Course had arrived safely on Oct 21.

This year's participants are from Costa Rica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malawi, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Uganda.

Opening Ceremony was held today at Assembly Room of JICA Tokyo.

Welcome Speeches were addressed by Ms. Ritsuko SAKAMOTO, Director of Human Development Division, Tokyo International Center, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and then by Mr. Shuzo KATAISHI, Executive Director, Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (JSRPD).

The participants took a group photo with flags of their respective countries behind.

After the Opening Ceremony, the Program Orientation took place. Firstly nine participants introduced themselves and expressed their expectations for the coming training program. Then Mr. Hiroshi UENO, chairperson of Planning Committee of this training course, gave explanation of this training.

Now the training is starting !

We are all looking for the working together as a team for the coming weeks!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1027.html

To all participants of the 2008 Leadership Development Course,

I sincerely wish all of you the very best and hope that you too will learn as much as I did about the facilities afforded to PWDs in Japan. I was able to experience how technology is used to make life better for us - things I would never even have dreamt of. I was so thrilled with the Braille tiles on the floor and the talking elevator. In Sri Lanka, I could never travel alone in an elevator as there aren't any talking ones. I was also amazed by the Personal Assistant and Job Assistant scheme. How easy life would be if such a thing could be implemented in our countries too. It is sometimes hard to implement every good thing one experiences in Japan as ours are developing countries and have many financial constraints. But I will always endeavour to get atleast some of them implemented. It might take ages but I'll keep on bugging the authorities - So must you !

My training period in Japan was also a learning experience of the challenges that others with different disabilities face daily. There are four participants with vision impairment this year whereas in my year, I was the only one. My friend, Andrea from Costa Rica was my sight and I was her feet. Together, we wandered the streets around the JICA centre during our free time. Believe me, we were a good combination. Bing Quang from China also helped me out when moving around. We learnt valuable lessons of co-existance. We helped each other not only with our physical difficulties but also in other ways. Leo from Belize was the singer in our group and always made sure that everyone was cheerful. Fabio from Columbia was the computer genius and we sought his assistance when something went wrong with our laptops. Bing Quang was the person who made it sure that there was always discipline and law and order. Ruby from Vanvatu was ever ready to help others. She and Khem Phong from Laos were skilled in handicraft and fixed whatever we needed. Andrea was a teacher and translator and thus helped out with the preparation of reports. The experience I received in Japan is very unique and I am glad I got the opportunity. I am sure you too will feel the same. So good luck with your future endeavours.

A special note to the participant from Sri Lanka, please contact me and perhaps we can work together to make Sri Lanka a more disable friendly nation.

Shalika Karunaratne
Participant from Sri Lanka
Leadership Development Course - 2006

Dear Jicafriends

Sabaidee to evry participants of JICA Leadership Development Course 2008.
Welcome to the Leadership Development Course.
Don't keep up if you feel difficulty in some activities
Enjoy Japan! It is beautyful country and Japanese people are all kind.

Sabaidee to all trainers in my memory.
I hope that all of you will have good memories as same as me.

Good luck!

Khemphone (JICA Leadership Development Course 2006)

Presentation on their Personal / Organizational Report is programmed on Oct. 31, last day of the month, at Waseda University International Communiction Center.

Please refer to the following event information.
http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/08101601.pdf

THE National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM) recently presented a new software known as 'Save As DAISY XML', which allows the creation of documents with contents that can be accessible by people who are visually impaired.
'Save As DAISY XML' is an add-on, designed specially for MicrosoftWord 2007, Word 2003 and Word XP. It will allow users to save OpenXML-based text files into Digital Accessible Information System(DAISY) XML – the foundation of the globally accepted DAISY standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content.
NCBM president S. Kulasegaran said: "Through this software, thevisually-impaired will have a better opportunity to access books,texts, literature and poetry."
Previously a variety of assisting technologies such as screen readers, refreshable Braille and text-to-speech synthesisers were used.
"But it was not possible to navigate complex page layouts. 'Save As DAISY XML' makes it possible to navigate quickly through a document byheading or page number as well as the use of indexes and references. And by burning the content into CD, the visually impaired can play it on the CD player, computer or notebook," he said, adding that he hopesa Bahasa Malaysia engine will be developed in the future.
Microsoft Malaysia National Technology Officer Dr Dzaharuddin Mansorsaid: "Because Microsoft Word is a commonly used tool, this add-on allows for content creators in different fields to produce accessibledigital material by and for Malaysians, especially individuals withassisting needs." – Tan Teong-li
For more information on the 'Save As DAISY XML' tool, visit the NCBMwebsite at http://www.ncbm.org.my/
Updated: 01:19PM Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Our forever leader, the late Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, former course leader of Voc. Rehab Course, received the 5th JICA Presidential Award.

This award is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to JICA’s technical assistance in respective fields since 2004. This year, thirty two Japanese and foreign individuals and ten organizations are presented with JICA 2008 Presidential Awards.

The commendation ceremony was held on September 16 at JICA headquarters and the award was handed to Mrs. Maruyama by JICA President Ms. Sadako Ogata.

Mr. Maruyama was a man of foresight and what he has done is so meaningful for persons with disabilities of the world that we cannot be valued.

We all jicafriends are proud of his award.

Congratulations! Mr.Maruyama.

We do hope you can hear our voice.

President's Desk: http://www.jica.go.jp/english/about/president/
We, jicafriends, would like show our sincere gladness that Mr. Maruyama’s remarkable achievement was recognized in this way.

Secretariat of jicafriends

The Duskin program invites from 5 to 10 young people with disabilities who have potential to be community leaders. To help achieve their goals, this program provides an opportunity for them to learn about welfare measures, policies and services for persons with disabilities in Japan and thus improve their knowledge and skills.

Eight trainees for the 10th Duskin Leadership Training Program arrived in Japan at the beginning of this September and now they are intensively studying Japanese language.

The Application deadline for the 11th Training Program is November 14, 2008.
If you are interested in this program, please visit the following page.
http://www.normanet.ne.jp/~duskin/english/

The secretariat of jicafriends

By gna
Social Affairs | Mon, 29 Sep 2008

The Ghana Society of Physically Disabled has advocated for the enactment of a law that would give the physically challenged one quarter of the seats in Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies.

The Society said this was necessary to help them to participate effectively in decision-making whiles also championing the cause for their own progress.

Mr Osei Bonsu, chairman of the Adansi North District branch of the Society, made the appeal at a day's HIV/AIDS sensitization programme for the disabled at Dompoase near Fomena organised by the Ghana AIDS Commission.

Mr Bonsu said he was not happy about the misconception majority of Ghanaians have about the disabled and said this was as a result of their continuous neglect and marginalization at all levels of the society.

He said in spite of these challenges, disabled persons should not lose hope but strive to take advantage of the opportunities made available by government, non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies and philanthropists to learn trades.

http://www.modernghana.com/news/184240/1/society-of-physically-disabled-wants-to-be-represe.html

The secreatriat of jicafriends

By Hi-D Palapar
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:24:00 09/28/2008

A hero’s story always begins with a tragedy that would prod him or her to pursue selfless goals to correct inequalities in the status quo.

In the case of Adela Avila-Kono, recipient of the 2008 Apolinario Mabini Outstanding Woman with Disability Award, it all started in school.

Adela is a tetraplegic. She was two and half years old when she contracted polio, a condition that left her legs almost totally useless.

The disease forced her into a life of leg braces, crutches and wheelchairs.

Despite this, Adela said she never felt different at home in Cebu City and she pursued her studies just like her siblings.

But school life brought her many frustrations.

Without the aid of her yaya or classmates, Adela found it difficult to go up from one floor to another in a building with no ramps.

It was even tougher using restrooms because the floors were often wet and dangerous for one using crutches.

Adela recalled the many times she slipped and fell and even urinated on the floor when there was no one to help her stand up.

But it was these experiences that drove Adela to persevere and finish school so she would not stick out like a sore thumb among her accomplished siblings and relatives.

These same experiences, she said, would later give purpose to her life.

In 1987, Adela went to the United States with her mother and saw the amenities available to people with disabilities (PWDs) like ramps and handle bars in toilets.

She said it was her first encounter with “accessibility”, barrier-free or “non-handicapping environments” in its real sense.

Adela later urged groups like the Organization of Rehabilitation Agencies (ORA) and the Regional Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (RCWDP)-7 to pursue accessibility monitoring and implementation of their major programs in Cebu.

In 1989, she was chosen to participate in JICA's (Japan International Cooperation Agency) “Leadership Training Course for Disabled Persons” in Japan by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, now the National Council for Disability Affairs.

Today, she is the Adviser of the Accessibility Monitoring Committee under the RCWDP-7.

She said the committee examines buildings to determine if they are disabled-friendly.

Today as an acessibility specialist, Adela gives advice on the “International Standards of Accessibility” to architects and civil engineers.

Batasang Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law stipulates that public and private buildings, streets and highways, public transport vehicles and public utilities should be available and convenient for PWDs.

The irony, however, is that the Accessibility Law has become inaccessible, Adela said. She said there are still architects and owners who resist following the law, thinking that it would be expensive.

“It is expensive, but not if the building is planned well (from the start)... They have not internalized the issue... Our cause is more on an appeal basis, there are no ordinances yet,” Adela said.

Adela said accessibility in structures is not only for the disabled but also for the elderly, the pregnant women and the children.

Adela and her supporters usually do without funding and dig into their pockets to finance their activities.

For her efforts, Adela was given the award by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Malacanang Palace last Aug. 6.

While there are no monetary rewards for her work, Adela said the “little joys” are enough return, like infecting “normal” people to be more senstive to issues of accessibility.

Adela said she sees the award as a way of allowing her to advance the cause of a barrier-free society.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20080928-163409/Breaking-barriers-in-disability

MANILA, Philippines - Information and communications technology (ICT) companies are planning to employ persons with disabilities (PWDs), helping fill up positions in an industry that is expected to produce a million jobs by 2010.

Organizations such as IBM Philippines, Inc., Resources for Blind, Inc. (RBI) and Adaptive technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (Atriev) and the Asia Pacific College are helping visually-impaired individuals to secure employment in the ICT industry.

IBM and RBI launched on Monday its 7th training program for the blind nicknamed “Computer Eyes."

The week-long training aims to equip 19 blind students from all in high school and college levels in basic computer applications, such as keyboard skills, word processing, and web page creation.

More than 150 blind students from all over the country have already been trained under the program since its introduction in 2001, said IBM Philippines country manager and president James Velasquez.

Continue...
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/122605/Infotech-firms-to-employ-the-visually-impaired