In Japan, there are roughly 10 types of communication methods used by people with deafblindness. However, in reality, these methods vary from person to person depending on the language they used before becoming deafblind, as well as how and at what stage in their lives they acquired this dual disability. In her keynote lecture, Akiko Fukuda will argue that it is no exaggeration to say that there are as many ways to communicate as there are people who are deafblind. She will introduce the Interpreter-Guide dispatch system—a system secured primarily by the Japan Deafblind Association to promote the welfare of people who are deafblind, although “deafblindness” is not yet recognized as a distinct disability in Japan. As a person who is deafblind herself, the presenter will discuss the roles expected of deafblind interpreters—which go beyond mere technical skills—while sharing personal episodes. She will explain that simply having the technical skill to “convey” a message does not necessarily mean that the message will be “received”. Furthermore, she will share helpful tips for deafblind interpreters and those involved in deafblind education.
Akiko Fukuda is the first nationally-certified social worker in Japan who is deafblind. She is an executive member of the Japan Deafblind Association, a member of the disability policy committee of the Cabinet of Japan, as well as the Japan Disability Forum. She is also the coordinator of the Asia Deafblind Network. She works as a university lecturer, focusing on Disability and Development. She lives independently in Tokyo with her cat and uses tactile sign language.
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