Participants from the Palestinian Authority, Thailand, and South Africa posed for a group photo holding their training completion certificates, together with organizers from DPI Japan and JICA, as well as resource persons.

The first training lecture was “History of the Disability Movement in Japan and Around the World,” delivered by Yukiko Nakanishi, Deputy Chairperson of DPI Japan.

Key topics included implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the disability movement in Japan.

Participants experienced accessible facilities at a train station in Tokyo, where wheelchair users used an elevator. Almost 100% of train stations are accessible to all. An accessible train for wheelchair users and the support provided by train station staff.

Participants received an introduction to the CRPD Committee review process and internal collaboration with the Government of Japan.

Participants observed accessibility features in public areas.

Training participants travelled to Osaka Prefecture from 19–23 October for a field visit, where they learned about the service systems for persons with disabilities at the Center for Independent Living Partner (CIL Partner), as well as disability development initiatives in organizations and educational settings. A big group photo featured between participant, CIL Partner staff member and organizers in front of CIL Partner, Osaka Prefecture.

Participants visited the Disabilities Federation. The Federation's main responsibility is to promote full participation and independent living for persons with disabilities, as well as to develop proposals based on the needs and voices of persons with disabilities for the Osaka Governor.

Participants visited Higashiosaka Special Needs School Osaka.

Participants visited Higashiosaka City Hall and paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Mayor. Participants learned about strengthening collaboration and support between the city government and disability partners in Osaka.

During the Roadmap Development Workshop, participants discussed their visions for the future of their countries and developed action plans.

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat presented her action plan roadmap on the last day of the training program.

Ms. Siriporn received a training completion certificate, presented by Mr. Watanabe Hideki, Director of the Human Development and Operational Coordination Division, JICA Tokyo Center.

Participants from the Palestinian Authority, Thailand, and South Africa posed for a commemorative group photo holding their certificates, with a large Thai flag in the background, together with personal assistants from South Africa and the Palestinian Authority.
 

Capacity Development for Young Leaders with Disabilities for UNCRPD Implementation

From 6 - 30 October 2026, Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer, Community Development Department, APCD, participated in the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) training on Capacity Development of Leaders with Disabilities for UNCRPD (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Implementation in Japan, with online sessions held on 20 and 30 September 2026. The training course was organized and implemented by Disability People International (DPI) Japan in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Five young leaders with disabilities participated in the training course: one from the Palestinian Authority, one from Thailand, and three from South Africa. The participants gained knowledge of disability from a human rights and equality perspective based on the UNCRPD, Japan’s disability movement, and disability mainstreaming. They also developed practical skills in analyzing UNCRPD implementation, identifying country-specific challenges, and promoting the participation of individuals with disabilities in society and policy-making processes.

The highlights of the training course included a field visit to the Parliament Consultation House and the National Diet Building of Japan, as well as an observation of a meeting involving consultation members and the Japanese Prime Minister. Participants also learned about the services provided by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and the strong support networks in Osaka Prefecture. In addition, special and inclusive education practices in Higashiosaka City were highlighted as key learning components of the program.

One of the most valuable components of the training was the intensive Roadmap Development Workshop, which guided participants in developing action plans for implementation upon returning to their respective countries. The training concluded with action plan presentations, followed by a certificate presentation ceremony. Participants successfully completed the program and received certificates from Mr. Watanabe Hideki, Director of the Human Development and Operational Coordination Division, JICA Tokyo Center. The closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Daisuke Kasayanagi, Assistant Secretary-General of DPI Japan.