Moon Rider 7 Project has been interviewed and introduced in China Times, a newspaper in Taiwan.
Moon Rider 7 Project Is Introduced in China Times in Taiwan!
Part II – Is It Right to Require Wheelchair User Customers to Pay More for Wheelchair Accessible Seats?
After talking with the customer service of the musical play service provider yesterday, I spoke with a friend who is familiar with law and found the service provider is not compliant with the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. After I messaged to the theater about this, I got a reply from them.
Is It Right to Require Wheelchair User Customers to Pay More for Wheelchair Accessible Seats?
Meet Senator Thomas Harkin at A Reception at U.S. Ambassador Residence
This week has been very special for me. On September 27th, I was invited to a reception of disability community with Senator Thomas Harkin at the U.S. Ambassador Residence in Tokyo. Senator Thomas Harkin is one of the important people that push ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) to be signed into law and has put strong effort to eliminate discriminations against people with disabilities over 30 years.
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.
All Employees Can Take and Expand Their Possibilities ~Amazon~
In Seattle, I visited a company which I cannot live without. It is Amazon. There are two big interesting findings at Amazon. First, is the procedure of providing reasonable accommodation, and the second is rich accessibility in internal training programs. At Amazon, I have found that there are various choices and opportunities that all employees can take and expand their possibilities. And of course, employees with disabilities are included.
Skills Developed by Disabilities Are Precious Assets ~Part 4~
The last report of Starbucks Headquarters visit. I had an opportunity to meet Jessica Rafuse who is manager within the Equal Employment Opportunity team at Starbucks. Jessica has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. To empower employment for people with disabilities, Jessica works with Starbucks business units to develop individualized hiring strategies. I often hear from US companies, including Starbucks that “hiring the very best person for the job” is first priority. A person with disability often develops a powerful strength, which is developed by the disability. Jessica gave an inspiring example.
On the other hand, it appears that Japanese companies has not yet realized and recognized persons with disabilities’ strengths. I see Japanese companies often remove people with disabilities from “the very best person” from the beginning of recruiting process.
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.
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?