Greetings
ISHIBASHI Daigo
President, Japanese Federation of the Deaf
Today I was appointed the 7th President of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD). I am honored to assume the heavy responsibility to inherit its long history and mission as a leader of JFD, with its 80th anniversary approaching. Now our deaf movement is entering a new era. We will continue to strive to realize a more comprehensive, fair, and equal society.
Let me propose four pillars for creating a society of true inclusion:
1. From the medical model to social model
Every disability-related policy has been formed under the medical model, viewing disability as physical or mental impairments of each individual and trying to fix the differences from non-disabled counterparts. But that attitude has obliged deaf people to adapt to the hearing majority every time. We should change how society works, recognizing that disability results from the social structure where people without disability are dominant. JFD aims to establish a society respecting diversity and each person’s dignity and allowing all deaf people to live in freedom and for self-realization anytime, anywhere.
2. Eradication of eugenic thought
In the past, eugenic thought rooted in this country exacerbated bias and discrimination against deaf people and took away their rights to have children and raise them. Despite provisions of the Constitution of Japan, deaf people often suffered human rights violations, being prohibited from using sign language, forced oral-method education, and deprived of their freedom to have and raise children as well as their to-be-born babies’ lives. We must never repeat that history. We will take further action to eradicate eugenic thought, especially now victims are raising their voices and protesting nationwide.
3. Early enactment of Japanese Sign Language Act
Sign language is deaf people’s language, and the legal protection of their linguistic rights will be a crucial step for their full participation and self-realization in society. Legislation of the Japanese Sign Language Act will guarantee opportunities to acquire sign language and protect their rights to use their sign language. We will strive to help create a society where all deaf people can claim their linguistic rights.
4. Hosting of successful Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
In November 2025, the Deaflympics will be hosted in Tokyo, which is deaf people’s international sports events held once every four years. With the Organising Committee of 2025 Summer Deaflympics set up in 2023, preparation for these historic Games is progressing. JFD is promoting barrier-free broadcasting and telecommunication and establishing systems for ensuring information & communication, launching training sessions for sign language announcers and commentators as well as international sign interpreters. We will make the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics a good opportunity to further develop deaf sports in Japan and create an inclusive society through sports.
With these four pillars and JFD’s long tradition in mind, together with all our peers throughout the country, we are determined to stride for the future to create a true inclusive society where no one is left behind. I would appreciate your continued support and cooperation. Thank you.
At the72nd National Congress of the Deaf in Wakayama, Japan
June 9, 2024
