The “Disaster Area Support Center for People with Disabilities” has opened in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to provide comprehensive support across multiple areas for people with disabilities affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) will support the Center’s activities, including coordinating specialized assistance and providing housing-related support.

Established Through a Network of Organization for People with Disabilities

The Disaster Area Support Center for People with Disabilities was established by the Kumamoto Disability Forum (KDF), a coalition of disability organizations across Kumamoto Prefecture. The Center is housed within the facilities of Torata no Kai, a disability welfare service provider in Yatsushiro City, and held its opening ceremony on August 17. At the ceremony, AAR Secretary General  Furukawa said, “Let’s work together with the local community and all the organizations involved to move forward.”

Those who need support the most are often the ones least able to ask for it themselves. Mr. Higashi, the Center’s director, is a lawyer who uses a wheelchair and has spent many years working on disability-related legislation and support systems. He explains that “Some people with disabilities hesitate to ask for help because they worry about being a burden to others or feel reluctant to seek help from people who don’t understand their disability. Some people hesitate even to disclose their disability in the first place.”

The Disaster Area Support Center for People with Disabilities works to uncover hidden needs and bring together requests for support by building a network of cooperation among organizations which assist people with disabilities. When necessary, staff members visit individuals directly to assess their situation and connect them with flexible, tailored support.

AAR will support the Center’s activities together with the Japan Disability Forum (JDF), a nationwide coalition of disability organizations. Specifically, AAR plans to help coordinate with specialized organizations when expert support is needed, and to provide housing-related assistance, operating funds, and equipment and supplies. Shortly after the Center opened, AAR received a request from a person with a disability whose home now had a step caused earthquake damage and is now working to install a ramp to make the home more accessible.

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out

Although the Center is based in Yatsushiro City, it provides support across the entire area affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. To reach as many people as possible with information about its services, the Center has distributed approximately 8,400 flyers, primarily in Yatsushiro City.

AAR will continue supporting people with disabilities affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. We kindly ask for your continued cooperation with our emergency relief effort.