I arrived in Japan on August 22nd last year. Then I stayed at Toyama Sunrise, a hotel-like facility, where housekeeping services such as cleaning and garbage collection were provided. In the beginning, Japanese language course was offered on the second floor of Toyama Sunrise, and it was very convenient. However, you cannot experience independent living if you stay in a hotel. In January, this year I started to live on my own in Machida city. I cooked for myself and cleaned my room. It was all a part of independent living program.

I think I am fortunate. Dislocation of the hip is my disability. My legs have become worse recently, but I can still walk for a short distance. I have experienced both the life of a person without disabilities and that of a person with disabilities. I have two perspectives: one from the viewpoint of a person without disabilities and the other from that of a person with disabilities. I think people are still discriminated against wherever they go. There are many places where barrier-free environments are not established. There are a lot of train situations where you cannot find any elevators.

I think persons with disabilities can lead a wonderful life if he or she has a positive way of thinking. An unspectacular person may lead a monotonous life. If a person with disabilities take courages and experiences a lot of things, then he or she can lead a fantastic life. Life is short, the physical aspect of life is important but the spiritual aspect is much more important.

I attend DPI (Disabled peoples’ International) meeting last year. Let me explain briefly about DPI. Persons with disabilities from various countries get together and take part in activities for persons with disabilities. For a long time in history, persons with disabilities had difficulties living in society due to inferior conditions surrounding them. There is still discrimination, isolation and overprotection of persons with disabilities. DPI points out issue to be improved and speaks out for persons with disabilities.

How can we lead a meaningful life? Hobbies and leisure activities are very important. Persons without disabilities have worries, concerns and make a lot of mistakes in life. Persons with disabilities have worries and makes mistakes in daily life, too. But persons with disabilities have to take extra care to maintain their physical health and have to suffer physical pain. Rehabilitation may be necessary and he may have to go to a hospital everyday. It is bothersome but it cannot be helped. But if you have hobbies, they might be a solution.

I like to eat out and take notes of restaurants I visit. When I’m feeling depressed, I go out to eat what I like.

I also keep a journal and record all the fun I have in my daily life. When something bad happens, I try to find a solution. If I can find a solution to such troubles, I get over them and forget all about them. But I do remember experiences. when I’m not feeling good and when my legs hurt, I read my journal over a cup of cocoa. I’ve always thought that I am fortunate.

My legs only hurt a little. Even when I am compared with an unimpaired person, I am not so disabled.

If I think that way, I can lead a happy life.

Before I came to Japan, I didn’t know anything about disabilities. When I attended the DPI convention, I was quite impressed. Since then I’ve always wondered why persons with disabilities lead a different life.

I have an idea about this. I think prevention is important. In some cases we can prevent becoming persons with disabilities. If I had known about my disability, dislocation of the hip, before six years old, my disability could have been prevented. Pregnant people have to be informed about such a possibility. If you cannot prevent your disability, then what can you do? I think education about disabilities is essential. Disabilities are not private matters but social issues. If you do not receive education, you will have a hard time finding a job. With no income, you will be a burden and cannot lead an active life.

I have changed a lot over this past year. I have gained not only weight but also my attitudes have changed. Before I was silent and did not express my ideas and opinions, but now I express my thoughts. Everyone has human rights. If you do not say what you think, people will not know what you think.

Information is important. Technology related to the Internet is very important. When I need some information, I search the Internet. Barrier-free pages on the Internet are also important. I learned about DAISY on the training program.

I have studied and experienced a lot of things during this one year.

I would like to thank the people at Duskin and JSRPD.