Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Training Course on Disability Policy
21 March - 10 April 2004
Ms.Chirapa Niwatapant, APCD's former trainee of the Accessible Web-based Information Networking Training attended the Information and Communication Technology Training Course on Disability Policy organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)in Japan from 21 March to 10 April 2004.The objective of the training was to understand the potential and use of ICT for empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs)in the Asia and Pacific region.Ms.Chirapa visited various organizations related to PWDs and ICT.Starting with the Astem Company and the Japanese Organization of CS Broadcasting for People with Disabilities, Osaka, which produces television programs for persons with a hearing impairment.She then visited the Kyoto-Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD)to learn about publishing a newsletter especially for persons with a hearing impairment.Her next destination was the Community Sagano-Training Center for Sign Language Interpreters in Kyoto. During the training course, Ms.Jirapa visited the Home for Independence AJU, Nagoya, where there are 3 Centers in the same area:a House-Day Center, Independent Information Center, and WADACHI Computer House which provides computer services for people with severe disabilities. She also visited Prop Station which provide computer training for persons with disabilities.
In the second half of the training course, Ms.Chirapa visited the Kagayaki Pasocon School in Tokyo, which teaches computer skills for people with hearing impairments.The special characteristic of this school is the barrier-free environment people with hearing impairments gathering together for information.She then visited the Information Support Division of the Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (JSRPD), Tokyo which sharing and disseminates disability-related information through Internet.In addition to this, JSRPD develops research on assistive devices technology for PWDs. The Kyoto Center for People with Hearing and Language Difficulty in Kyoto, is a Center that provides services and promotes the usage of sign language for people with hearing impairments. This Center is also a vocational center for people with hearing impairments.Before the end of the training course, Ms.Chirapa visited the Tsukuba College of Technology, Ibaragi.This College includes mechanical engineering courses for people with hearing impairments into the curriculum plus researches and develops technology for people with hearing impairments.Her last destination was the Japanese Federation of the Deaf in Tokyo.
Ms.Chirapa shared with APCD that she appreciated the opportunity to join this training course.She will apply what she learned from the training and utilize it for persons with hearing impairments in Thailand and share with other countries in the Asia and Pacific region.
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