|
During our stay in Japan we were fortunate enough to visit several facilities for the mentally disabled. It is often difficult for someone with a mental disability to find a job because many bosses feel it will prevent them from doing their job properly and perhaps more often, they are nervous that it will cause the business to loose customers. While in Japan, we visited a cookie factory, a group home and a restaurant, all owned by an organization named Palette. Palette developed a cookie house where people with mental disabilities can work and make their own money so they are able to support themselves. Working in the factory allows them to become more independent in life. This facility was established in 1993.
Palette also owns a home where people with mental disabilities can live, which is conveniently across the street from the cookie factory, although it is not just for those who work there. In this home there are five staff members who council the residents as well as help them with everyday functions. They teach them to prepare meals and clean their rooms as well the proper usage of money. Sometimes it is difficult for those who aren't used to being in the home to get comfortable. However, the staff makes sure to show their support and try to help them by any means necessary. Ms. Naoko Taniguchi, the founder of Palette made it clear that, these staff members do not "protect" the residents but "support" them. The residents ranging from those with small disabilities to large disabilities pay a rent of ¥5500 a month.
It is common that people with physical disabilities will work in large corporations because there is more money. However, these large companies do not like to employ mentally disabled people because they believe it will cause a loss in customers. It was for these reasons Palette opened a restaurant that gives further opportunities for those with mental disabilities to get jobs. We were fortunate to get a taste. Ms. Taniguchi said that this was never a problem in her restaurant. Even if the customers are aware of the staffs disabilities it has never caused a loss in business.
We were all extremely impressed with Palette and thought this institution would not only be beneficial to Japan, but America as well. The organization reminded us of Fountain House located in Manhattan, which also helps mentally disabled people find jobs, locate apartments and re-establish themselves in society.
On the other hand, we were shocked when informed that there was absolutely no government funding for this organization. It is fully funded by the sale of cookies, money made from the restaurant, and through private organizations. Although it was impressive that they were able to support themselves we could not believe that the government did not see the need to give money to such institutions. However, in Japan the larger institutions that shelter people with mental disabilities away are slowly being closed and smaller group homes, like Palette, are being created. Ms. Taniguchi informed us of the time it took to make these changes and expressed her hopeful thoughts that one day soon the Japanese and American system will be the same.
We also visited a company called Saori-hiroba that sells hand weaved objects and teaches workshops. It is practiced at nearly one thousand institutions such as special schools, sheltered workshops, and rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities. When speaking with the storeowner he explained that Saori-hiroba tries to:
1) Provide people with disabilities an opportunity to socialize and actively participate in community affairs.
2) Support people with disabilities enabling them to become self- reliant.
3) Train instructors from abroad to implement Saori in their own countries.
Every year there is a VERY SPECIAL ARTS FESTIVAL that integrates people with and without disabilities in Japan. The first theme of the festival was "arts as an important communications medium for people with disabilities." This created an opportunity to stimulate public awareness of people with disabilities throughout there artistic activities.
Saori teaches the saying, "Mistakes themselves are flawless." We were extremely moved by this and felt that it should be taught globally. Every person has their own flaws but this is what makes them each unique and beautiful. Nothing in life is perfect, and in truth-we wouldn't want it to be. Imperfections can be fascinating and attractive.
Even with all these programs, there is still much work that needs to be done in both America and Japan to help reduce the stigma of mental disabilities. Perhaps if people can grow to understand that mental disability is the same as any other illness than they will realize that this fear and hatred is completely unnecessary. Although America has many institutions to help the mentally disabled, there is still room for improvement. This is the same for Japan. They are beginning to form organizations but without government funding it is difficult for them to expand. Therefore we hope that they will continue to make positive changes and one day the Japanese government will see that mental disabilities are a real problem and they need support.
|
|
