October 10, 2006
Lecture and Visit : on the Current Situation of persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Japan at "Kinuta Kobo"
- Setagaya Ward Sheltered Workshop for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
'Kinuta Kobo' is a Setagaya ward sheltered workshop where persons with intellectual disabilities commute and work. In the morning, Mr. Masayoshi Nakano, director of 'Kinuta Kobo' gave a lecture on various issues related to persons with intellectual disabilities such as the definition of intellectual disabilities and what it means "to work". Ms. Chihiro Kawamura, committee member, accompanied us and gave a opening remark.
In the afternoon, we split into three groups and participated in actual work conducted at 'Kinuta Kobo'. One of the jobs was to enclose different kinds of commercial documents in envelopes, which was consigned from a private company. The other was to package cutleries into plastic bags, which was consigned from a restaurant. While working, we had an opportunity exchange opinions with the users of 'Kinuta Kobo'.
PM : Visit : "Sukippu" Setagaya Ward Employment Support Center for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
After watching the video about the activities at Sukippu, we went on a tour to observe actual work activities at Sukippu.
Both Kinuta Kobo and Sukippu are run by Inclusion Tokyo, which is an organization by parents of persons with intellectual disabilities. Compared to Kinuta Kobo, the users at Sukippu are persons with mild disabilities and their work are more profit oriented.
With adecuate support, persons with intellectual disabilities are able to engage in work and earn their living to lead an independent living.
