International Forum on Independent Living
Workshop 1：History and Future of the Independent Living Movement in Japan
Ms. Keiko Higuchi, Japan Council on Independent Living Centers
- What we have learnt from U.S. Independent Living Movement
Redefinition of "independence": transition from "independence in activities of daily living and economic independence" to "independence based on self-determination" - Taking the role of service providers: establishing programs based on consumers' experiences
- Advocacy and ADA: the movement of people with disabilities
- Empowerment: Feeling comfortable, starting from "just the way you are" and having solidarity with one's colleagues
- History and Past Challenges of Independent Living Movement in Japan 1986, the establishment of Human Care Association, followed by other independent living centers, whose background include
- consumer groups based on workshops for disabled people,
- consumer groups, who used to go to day activity centers, and
- individuals interested in establishing IL centers.
- the new concept of business enterprise
- the significance of consumer control
1991, the establishment of Japan Council on Independent Living Centers
- definition of independent living programs
- establishment of training programs (seminars of directors and Research Seminars on Issues Concerning Independent Living of People with Disabilities)
- expansion of activities through committee activities and their evaluations
After 1994
- from "Research Seminars on Issues Concerning Independent Living of People with Disabilities" to "Research Seminars on Independent Living of People with Disabilities", which represents the shift of focus from professionals to people with disabilities
- participating the NCIL's Annual Conference
- seeking international solidarity of independent living movement
- undertaking programs to support community living at the municipal level
- Future Directions
- relationship with the government (national and local)
- acquisition of "Non-Profit Organization" status
- securing personal care assistance with the introduction of "Care Insurance" in 2000 and the status of IL centers
- establishing international network, securing the legitimacy and future development of IL movement, and supporting Asian IL movement
Title : International Forum on Independent Living
Publisher : Japan Council on Independent Living Centers
Date : 1998/10/20
Question & Comment to
International Forum on Independent Living
Japan Council on Independent Living Centers
Shimamula building 102 Tachikawa-shi nishiki-cho 1-3-13 TOKYO JAPAN
TEL : 042-529-1169 FAX : 042-525-4757
E-mail : asv69068@pcvan.or.jp / jil@d1.dion.ne.jp
Web site : http://www.d1.dion.ne.jp/~jil/