October 23, 2006 PM
Lecture : Movement of Persons with Disabilities in Japan, Up to the Dawn of Japan Disabilities Forum
Mr. Katunori Fujii, Board Chairman of Japan Disability Forum and Executive Director of Japan Council on Disability

Mr. Fujii started his lecture by talking about his personal history. When he was a teacher at the special school, many questions came up to his mind.

"Why is there a "school-entry screening procedure"?
"Why is the school-entry of children with more severe disabilities rejected?"
"Why don’t children with disabilities like summer/winter holidays?"
"Why is there no place for students with disabilities to go after school graduation?"

Then he decided not to face away from paradox and contradictions of the society and devoted himself to disability movement.

Mr. Fujii also introduced how Japan Disabilities Forum was established and explained importance of working together with other disability groups.

Before closing his lecture, he asked each participant to tell him about his/her dream and what they want to acheive in five years.

Participants answered as follows ;

• I may be working for employment promotion of persons with visual impairments. Hopefully I set up a sheltered workshop by that time.
• In 2011 my center can accept not only children and youth, but also elderly people.
• By 2011, I would like to establish cross-disability organization in my country.
• I would like to start personal assistant service in my country and enable persons with disabilities to go to school.
• By that time, I would like to establish a network among disability organizations in my country.
• With my efforts, the number of employees with disabilities would be doubled in five years.
• I would like to work for awareness raising and change the society.