Advocate - Moon Rider 7 Project

Talk about Disability Rights of Continue Living with Rooted in Rights

It has been 1 month since Sagamihara stabbings. This news shook not only Japan but also the world. After thinking “What I can do as a Japanese with disability?” , I decided to collaborate with Rooted in Rights (*) to create a clip about disability rights of continue living. Living is a basic human right. Everyone gets the right to continue living. People with disability do as well. Please check the clip out from here. You are welcome to share the clip to spread the word and defend human rights.

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!

Talks about Employment for People with Disability in Japan with Rooted in Rights

Rooted in Rights, an advocate group of human right for people with disability, invited me to feature in their filming projects in February when I was in Washington interviewing Disability Rights Washington. I grabbed the chance and said yes right away! I am very lucky to have this opportunity to talk about the employment-related challenges people with disabilities faced in Japan. Through working with Rooted in Rights, I shared the issues in Japan that I have noticed and my vision to change that.

The film was just released yesterday. You can watch it here!

Differences of Consciousness between People with Disabilities and without Disabilities

The last person I visited was John Kelly who is a well known disability advocate in Boston. 32 years ago, he had an accident and became a quadriplegic. He was 25 years old at that time. It was a huge adjustment for him since he lived as an bodied person for a long time.

After I heard his very active history, I asked a question which I have been wondering for a long time. ” Why does US have so many disability advocates?” John shared his theory with me and explained the history and culture that have affected to the US today.

Attended at International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference

In late March, I attended 31st Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego. At the conference, you can find the latest technology service and products which support and maximize abilities of people with disabilities in daily life, at school, or workplace.

At first, I was only planning to go there as an attendee. However, Sheryl Burgstahler who is a director of DO-IT Program in University of Washington (Interview report is here) asked me to give a presentation with her. DO-IT Program has been implementing locally in Asian countries including Japan. At Sheryl’s session, I got 15 minutes to talk about education and employment environment for people with disabilities in Japan.

I Gave A Talk to Japanese Students in Seattle

I had some precious experiences besides interviewing for my research in Seattle. One of them is to give a talk at “Meet the Professional” hosted by ICC Seattle Office, a study abroad agency. Meet the Professional is an event which a professional in various field gives a talk to Japanese students in Seattle area! What I talked was my disability, school life in Japan, findings in study abroad in U.S., experiences as an employee, and reasons why I research about employment for people with disabilities now. For one hour, I shared my experiences and how I changed my thoughts in my life.

Historical Background That Changed U.S. Dramatically and Current Efforts on Protecting Disability Rights ~Disability Rights Washington~

In Seattle, I have visited Disability Rights Washington, a private non-profit organization, and the designated protection and advocacy agency. Today, in the US, many people with disabilities have equal opportunities to receive general education and work in various fields. However, equal opportunity doesn’t exist from the beginning. It is earned by brave advocates speaking up for people with disabilities. Part of the history is sad. Disability Rights Washington not only provides litigation support, but also have implemented interesting projects to raise awareness of people with disabilities.

A Bus Driver Refused to Let Me Board the Bus and How People Resolve The Issue in the U.S.

I always take bus to commute from my apartment to the campus where my institute is located. I am sharing one of the most unforgettable experiences. One day, a bus driver refused to let me board the bus and Syracuse University resolved this issue surprisingly quickly.

How Does A Human Resource Agency Value People with Disabilities? Really? ~Part 2~

In addition to human resource agency, more companies started new business based on employment for people with disabilities, for example consulting firm. They look like they are doing great business while supporting people with disabilities. However, some companies view people with disabilities with old bias and stereotype. How can these consulting firms and human resource agents utilize the talents of people with disabilities with such bias? What is a more appropriate and strong business mission for these companies?

How Does A Human Resource Agency Value People with Disabilities? Really? ~Part 1~

I have visited human resource agencies when I was looking for a job. How do they value applicants with disabilities? I am sharing stories based on my experiences.