This article is also available in: 日本語
~ Announcement ~
Glad to announce that I was chosen as a trainee for international leadership training program for people with disabilities by DUSKIN AINOWA foundation.
Official website is here->
I found this program on internet last November.
I had only 1 week by the deadline, so I worked quickly to prepare everything after work…and fortunately I got this opportunity!
My research theme is the employment for people with disabilities at workplace.
I’m going back to U.S. for 1 year at shortest.
I have changed my career 2 times so far.
And it was always hard for me to find an ideal job just because of my disability of walking.
I believe that many people with disabilities could work with non-disabled people if the company change mind a little bit and prepared a better facility.
I want to change this Japanese society that those people could work at a general company, not a special one only for people with disabilities.
When I came back from U.S. at the age of 22, I thought that
“I want more disabled people to go overseas and feel free.”
So I joined a travel planning company.
Now I work for a fashion retail company and think
“I want more disabled people to enjoy fashion.”
So I proposed to add a new content for customer service training for the employees who work at store.
Well, since profit-making companies have to make profits, of course,
they cannot invest on something doesn’t make money although they think products/services for people with disabilities are good things to do.
Now I realized that both travel and fashion are only for people who can make enough money by themselves.
Considering people with disabilities in Japan, still many people cannot afford to spend money on those because of difficulty to work and get the same amount of money like the non-disabled does.
I think I have to change this situation.
If people with disabilities could work and earn money more, they have a change to go out for shopping or eat at restaurant more.
Then profit-making companies will change their service and product for them too.
It it a really challenging topic, but I’m so excited to work on this!
To go back to U.S. for this program, I’ve decided to quit my current job.
It’s very sad but I could leave with smile this time.
I will try hard for my family and friends who support me!
