November 5, 2009: Movements by Persons with Disabilities
Training Report - Leadership Development Course
Participants heard lecture about the movements by persons with disabilities in Japan. Lecturers were the president and a young leader from Human Care Association, the first independent living center(CIL) in Japan.
At first, the young leader gave brief outline of the organization and its activities, such as
Independent Living program and peer counseling. The organization invites trainees from Asian
countries in order to develop IL program, peer counseling system and peer counselors in the
developing countries.
Then, he let participants think what is the meaning of being independent, and he explained about
the transition of its definition;
medical model to social model. There he emphasized that the most important concept of being
independent is self-determination with responsibility.
Next, the president of Human Care Association gave lecture about the history of independent living
centers, their movements to change society, and their community involvement activities. He brought
the concept of CIL from the United States and started the movement in Japan about 25 years ago. At
that time, most of the people told him that the concept would not fit with Japanese culture, but
starting with opening the first IL center in Hachiouji city in 1986, CIL was gradually accepted by
the local community, and finally achieved to establish CIL in every prefecture in Japan.
He explained the strategy of policy proposals to city, provincial, and national governments, how
to request them to be successful.
There was lively Q&A session because each participants are facing with difficulties changing
society in their countries, especially for participants who are working at government and NGO.
After that, participants visited the office and received briefing, then visited the apartment room of the person who is practicing the independent living regardless of severe disability, and received explanation about actual daily living from him.
It was really beneficial for participants to hear from the people who directly involved in the
movement. Each words from the president were very strong and gave a big impact on participants.
It seemed participants found a great role model to be a good leader.
