This program aims to provide an opportunity for young people with disabilities who wish to become community leaders in Asian and the Pacific countries/regions. It was first initiated in 1999 as a project commemorating the United Nations Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002).

The uniqueness of this invitation program is that the applicants do not need any official recommendation from the government or other organizations, and that it is completely open to anyone, without any restrictions on educational or occupational backgrounds. In addition, the training period of around ten months is conducted in Japanese or Japanese sign language so that the trainees can deepen understand Japan and Japanese culture.

Besides, since trainees from different countries/regions study together, they can build up network beyond the different types of disability, thus they are expected to become active leaders in the future.

Around 10 months (from the beginning of September to the middle of June of a following year)

Asia and the Pacific, excluding Australia and New Zealand

A maximum of 10 people

1. Persons with disabilities who wish to contribute to their communities as leaders in future
2. Persons who are between 18 and 35 years of age. No education history or prior work experience is required
3. Persons who are able to complete the 10 month long training program and adapt themselves to Japanese life
4. Persons who are able to communicate either in Japanese (or Japanese sign language) or in English (or American sign language)
5. Persons who are able to carry out their activities of daily living without assistance
6. Persons who are able to have interviews in their own countries/regions
7. Persons who are able to plan and carry out their own training program
8. Persons who are able to take responsibilities for all risks, including unexpected accidents

The Executive Committee screen all application forms and nominate candidates. Afterwards the Committee members interview the candidates in their own countries/regions and taking into consideration the results of the interviews, the Committee finally selects the trainees.

Language lessons

After arrival, for about three months the trainees take language lessons, which aims to be able to communicate in either Japanese or Japanese sign language.

Group training (lectures and sight visits)

The trainees understand the current situation of welfare services for persons with disabilities in Japan through lecture and observation of policy of persons with disabilities, history and the current situation of disability movement in Japan, social environment surrounding persons with disabilities, and education/employment/social services for persons with disabilities.

Moreover, through exchanging opinion and sharing the experiences with other trainees and Japanese persons concerned, trainees improve their leadership skills. Besides, trainees learn how to write proposal, presentation skills and how to make a report.

Individual training

According to the each trainee’s request, the trainees receive practical training at facilities and organizations in various places in Japan where they can learn what they are interested in and what they need to know.

Participation in relevant events and Japanese cultural experiences

The trainees have opportunity to participate in various kinds of events and sports competitions in order to gain the knowledge of disability-related areas. In addition, as a part of experience of Japanese culture, homestay program is provided.

Japanese or Japanese sign language in principle.

The trainees stay at the Toyama Sunrise hotel, where JSRPD is located, while they are taking language lessons. During the individual training period, each trainee stays at a different facility.

1. Each trainee gives a speech including life experiences, lectures and site-visit in Japanese or Japanese sign language in order to show the results of the language lessons after completing three months' intensive Japanese course.
2. Each trainee gives a presentation in Japanese or Japanese sigh language about what he/she learned or experienced from the training, and future plan after returning their own communities.
3. Each trainee submits a report in Japanese by the end of training in order to evaluate the contents of the training and gained knowledges/experiences during the training period.
4. Based on the trainees’ reports and questionnaires, the Executive Committee and the Secretariat summarize and evaluate the program after the training.

The Duskin Ainowa Foundation

http://www.ainowa.jp/

The Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities

http://www.jsrpd.jp/

http://www.normanet.ne.jp/~duskin/