Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities: My Duskin Leadership Training in Japan
I am the fourth Filipino who availed of this training program and I am the first who came from lloilo Province and the Visayas area
Mark F. Espesor
I was endorsed by the Association of Disabled Person's lloilo (ADP-I) as applicant for Duskin Leadership Training in Japan. And I was chosen by Duskin Ainowa Foundation of Japan to take Duskin Leadership Training 2605-2006.
Out of 300 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) applicants in Asia Pacific Region, they chose 23 to be interviewed in their respective countries. Out of 23, they chose seven candidates to undergo Duskin Leadership Training for 10 months. The seven participants came from Korea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam and Philippines.
I am the fourth Filipino who availed of this training program and I am the first who came from lloilo Province and the Visayas area.
The training started in September. I and my fellow trainees studied Japanese Language for three months in Tokyo. Then, we underwent individual training in different places in Japan based on the training we chose to learn. I chose to learn Independent Living, which helps the PWDs to become independent as they could with the help of new technologies and techniques. Such as ILP (Independent Living Skill Programs), which includes PWD (Persons with Disabilities) Movement and Advocacy, Peer Counseling and Accessibility.
I spent five months in my individual training. First was in IL Studio in Tokyo, where I studied the history of PWD Movement of United States and Japan and also "Peer Counseling". Next was in Osaka, where I visited some centers which cater to multiple and severe PWDs. That unforgettable experience changed my life. After I met those who had two or more disabilities, I was surprised that they are happy despite their difficult situation.
I began to think of myself. Before, I was so stubborn and selfish and I did not care about other people. I forgot that I need others also in order to live and to be happy. These people taught me to be kind and to think about others. Third, in Kumamoto where I visited elementary schools, high schools and universities and observed the reaction of the students towards PWDs. I taught the children how to help people using wheelchairs and I made a presentation about our country, the Philippines. Fourth, was on AJU in Nagoya where my training was more intense and difficult because in my three weeks of training I had only one Sunday to rest and there is no one to back me up in my Japanese in high level matters. But it was of my best trainings. In AJU, they taught severe PWDs to experience shopping, go to parks and places they want with the help of "Personal Assistance." And they empower PWDs especially the severe ones to decide what they want for themselves as individuals.
I also studied Japanese Law for PWDs at DPI (Disabled People International) in Tokyo. I also experienced the "Accessibility Tour" with Mr. Imafuku, a wheelchair-bound person. He showed me how Japan was accessible to everyone not only for PWDs but for old people and in baby carts using the "Accessible Toilets," going to bus and train stations and riding in buses with lifts and trains in Tokyo.
After I finished my individual training, I and my fellow trainees had a group training in Tokyo. I learned to work with them as a team and we learned a lot of different leadership skills and techniques that will be useful in our respective countries after 10 months.
My unforgettable moment was "Snow Skiing” in Nigata, which for the first time of my life I experienced snow and skiing from the high level places and low level places. I enjoyed it very much. And also, I spent less than a week in Okinawa for my "Home Stay" during New Year, which I enjoyed sightseeing at the islands and beaches. I went to Chaurami Aquarium Park and I saw a lot of beautiful marine animals. I also went to Universal Studios Japan, Disneyland and Disney Sea Resort and it was really great.
OBSERVATIONS
My observations about how Japanese Society deals with their PWDs are:
The PWDs have their own laws and ordinances on human rights; the PWDs are supported by the government through pensions, health services and other benefits; accessibility in transportation like buses, vans and trains because they have lifts and spaces for wheelchairs as well as cars that PWDs can drive with the help of modern technologies;
Accessibility in buildings and roads; they have elevators and ramps for wheelchair users, Braille blocks for the blind and symbols for the deaf; PWDs have their own sidewalks so they can go freely and safe; Japan has job opportunities for PWDs who can work; and scholarship programs for PWDs who want to study and enhance their skills.
RECOMMENDATIONS
My recommendations for PWDs here in Iloilo includes the implementation of disability laws like:
Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, Batas Pambansa 344 or the "Accessibility Law", Proclamation No. 240 Declaring the period from the year 2002 to the year 2012 as the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities thereby instructing National Government Agencies including officials of Local Government Units to set aside 0.5% of through annual allowed budget for the programs and projects for Persons with Disabilities, Executive Order No. 417 Directing the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for Persons with Disabilities and Executive Order No. 437 Encourage the implementation of (CBR) Community Based Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities in the Philippines, through (OPDA) Office of Persons with Disabilities Affairs.
CONCLUSION
As the first Duskin trainee of lloilo Province, I believe that our government and other sectors of our society are willing to listen to our voice and extend their hands for us PWDs. It is a great honor to represent my country and my beloved province in this program. May I be the instrument of hope and change for the better future of our country Philippines.