Mostly, it was about people--people coming together--wanting so much to understand each other's cultures, concerns and common struggle for acceptance, equality and independence. 

It was a 9-day excursion to Japan by a group of 15 Americans, 11 of whom were persons with disabilities.  The trip was organized jointly by Mobility International USA (MIUSA) of Eugene, Oregon, and Footloose, a disability rights consumer group in Tokyo, Japan.  The program was generously funded by The Japan Foundation, Center for Global Partnership.

According to Mary Ann Curulla, one of the two MIUSA coordinators leading the delegation, "The principle goals of this US/Japan Exchange Program were (1) To increase international cooperation and cross-cultural understanding between citizens of Japan and the US, in order to improve opportunities and realization of equal rights of people with disabilities in both countries; and (2) To improve opportunities in leadership, education, employment, and full citizenship for people with disabilities in Japan and the US through exchange of ideas, strategies, skills and insights."

Judging from comments voiced by both US and Japanese participants, the goals were solidly met.  Said Michelle Caputo, a student with a disability at San Diego State College, "We've had some really serious, thought-provoking forums in which people from both countries are learning about the other's. The trip to Japan just re-enforced my image of the world as a whole--disabled and nondisabled people working together--and that's the best as it gets. That's what it's all about--working together, spreading our wings and flying high to reach our goals."

Working sessions included a symposium which featured a discussion of the topic of prenatal diagnosis of disability and selective abortion in Japan and its ethical, legal and social implications.  Commented one Japanese father with a teenage son with a disability:  "Addressing discriminatory thoughts is an issue for every person.  I have insisted that my son's disability has nothing to do with his personal values.  He is not an inferior normal child.  He is a human being with a special characteristic called Down's Syndrome."  And a young Japanese mother who educates the public via a series of comic essays about her wheelchair user daughter, acknowledged "My daughter taught me the importance of disabled and nondisabled children spending time together when they do not have preconceptions about disabilities." 

Another symposium focused on architectural barriers and accessible design.  First, was a panel presentation by the MIUSA delegates led by Christa Bucks of Ellicott City, Maryland, who recently returned after two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay.  The panel shared examples and personal experiences involved in the process of making buildings accessible.  One
example shared via video was the Hilyard Community Center in Eugene, Oregon.  

In the second part of the symposium Japanese presenters talked about the 1994 law in Japan called the Act on Buildings Accessible and Usable for the Elderly and Physically Disabled, also known as the Act of Buildings with (Warm Heart).  Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US prohibits discrimination toward persons with disabilities and provides for penalties against those who do discriminate, there is nothing in the Japanese law to forbid discrimination because of disability. Said architect Yoshihiko Kawauchi, "We have only technical rules without law enforcement.  In Japan it is not a human right for people with disabilities to take part in society, but people believe it should be based on a warm heart.  If we voice a complaint, society says, we are selfish and we are stubborn for not being appreciative." 

All work and no play makes for a tiring trip, and so the Japanese host group of Footloose members organized an intriguing and delightful accessibility scavenger hunt--exploring the new and old city of Asakusa.  Five teams of US and Japanese participants were formed and challenged to roam this famous tourist area of Tokyo in search of special people, places and things.  The photos and souvenirs so enthusiastically collected by group members were but the tangible reminders of memories and friendships to be cherished.

Another long work session included a visit to the beautiful campus of the Japan Women's University. First, we all took part in a discussion with a class of graduate students on the challenging theme "Professionalism and the Social Worker for Disabled Persons in the Community". 

Next, there came a panel presentation by MIUSA delegates to an undergraduate class of some 80 to 90 students on the topic "Ten Strategies for Making Change"--changes aimed at molding public opinion and benefiting the lives of persons with disabilities.

Later, that same afternoon MIUSA delegates and Footloose members met with members of the Society for Study of Accessible Travel, a group of volunteers interested in removing barriers to travel for persons with disabilities.  There was an animated sharing of ideas and personal experiences by those who had traveled throughout other countries.

Then came another cultural experience--a trip to the Araumaza theater studio for an exciting dance and musical workshop and performance of folk entertainment.  The strong sound of traditional Japanese drums, the cheerful trill of bamboo flutes, the colorfully costumed gyrating dancers, unified the audience in spellbound concentration.  "We hope that we are able to put together a performance which will help people get rid of mind barriers and be able to live harmoniously through folk entertainment", said group director, Hisashi Hosokowa.  They accomplished that and more.  Members of the audience--deaf, blind, mobility impaired--all were invited to take their turn at playing the Japanese drums and eagerly did so.  It was an incredibly wonderful feeling of love and oneness.

One of the special highlights of the trip came at the end--the opportunity to spend a day and a half in the home of a Japanese family.  This was experiencing Japanese culture and hospitality up-close and personal. 

On the plane heading back to Portland, Every MIUSA delegate wanted to tell about their extraordinarily wonderful impressions and unforgettable memories.  All vowed to return some day.  But I think it was summed up best by delegate Ginger Monnett, ASL interpreter from the University of New Mexico, when she said:  "It was a wonderful trip and I had such an incredibly great time - I wish that it wasn't finishing.  I wish I was back in my homestay family's bed, comfortable and warm and wouldn't trade it for the world."