Utilize Abilities of People with Disabilities, Instead of Putting Them in A Safe Zone ~EEOC~

Utilize Abilities of People with Disabilities, Instead of Putting Them in A Safe Zone ~EEOC~

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has 53 offices across the country, and is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. When you experience discrimination by an employer, you can contact the nearest EEOC office and file a charge (complaint) so that EEOC can investigate the discrimination and, in some cases, sue the employer if the issue cannot be resolved. EEOC Headquarters is located in Washington DC, and it was an honor to meet Peggy Mastroianni, Legal Counsel.

Interview at the U.S. Department of Labor: Keys to Promote Employment of People with Disabilities

Interview at the U.S. Department of Labor: Keys to Promote Employment of People with Disabilities

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the U.S. Department of Labor is working to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I had the opportunity to interview three people at ODEP. The first person I would like to write about is Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary.

The American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington DC!

The American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington DC!

In Washington DC, I visited The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and interviewed Zach Baldwin, Director of Outreach. AAPD has implemented various projects to promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. This time I mainly asked about employment-related projects, which is my research focus.

Traveling New York City with Wheelchair

Traveling New York City with Wheelchair

Actually this is my second time to visit New York City (NYC). My first visit was 8 years ago in 2008. After the conference and my friend left for Japan, I have been walking around NYC, literally to west, east, north and south! Sometimes I walk more than 1 hour at one time. Through my adventures, I have found many things that I didn’t see last time I was here, or I didn’t notice last time.

9th Session of Conference of State Parties to Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at United Nations in New York!

9th Session of Conference of State Parties to Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at United Nations in New York!

I have been in New York City (NYC) since last week. The main purpose of visiting NYC is to attend the 9th session of the Conference of State Parties to Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The convention is international level rules that protect rights of people with disabilities. The text was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, and Japan signed in 2007 to agree with the convention and confirmed officially in 2014 after improved domestic policies for people with disabilities. This year in April, the Act for Eliminate Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities came into force in Japan. This is one of the improvements that Japanese government has implemented to comply with CRPD. Through 3 days conference, I have gained lots of information and things to think…and new networks!

You Would Find A Real Talented Person If You Take Your Prejudice Filter Off

You Would Find A Real Talented Person If You Take Your Prejudice Filter Off

Syracuse University where I have been working with since last October is the first college that started Disability Studies in the US. The campus is a very inclusive environment not only for students with disabilities but also for faculties with disabilities. Professor Michael A. Schwartz is a supervising attorney and director at Disability Rights Clinic under Syracuse University College of Law, and teaches disability law. He is Deaf.