November 7, 2006
Local Visit (Day 3)

Hiroshima Prefectural Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Physical Disabilities is the only facility complex in Hiroshima. The center consists of a primary and secondary school, a medical center, a rehabilitation center, a residential institution, and a sports center.

First we visited Hiroshima Prefectural Saijo Special School for Children with Disabilities. After receiving a brief explanation about the school from a head teacher Mr. Toru NIITANI, we observed classrooms and interacted with students.

In the afternoon, Mr. Mizuseki, head of the medical center gave us a brief explanation about Hiroshima Prefectural Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Physical Disabilities. Afterwards we went around to observe the center, its affiliated institutions. There we saw children and adults with severe or multiple disabilities who lives in this institution, goes to Saijo school, receives medical treatment and rehabilitation, and entertain oneself at the sports center. They stay in this complex facility most of their life.

In Tokyo we had met many people with disabilities who were rather independent and proactive. Therefore this encounter with institutionalized people with severe disabilities here was such a contrast. We were left with many thoughts to reflect on.

This facility complex was made accessible everywhere, yet at the sports center we were amazed to see a special Braille block, which was not 凸凹 but totally flat. This Braille block functions with a special white cane which vibrates when it touches Braille block and even audio guidance is heard at junction corners. We also had an opportunity to try some sports such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair football etc.

The head of sports center gave us a commemorative gift and the participant from Sri Lanka expressed our appreciation.

This visit became another unforgettable one. Thank you very much, everyone at Hiroshima Prefectural Rehabilitation Center, for your hospitability.