Tokyo Tales – Day 13: Friday, January 27, 2006

After two weeks of learning, witnessing and experiencing the history, development and success of the Independent Living in Japan, it was time to wrap up the training and draw up an action plan to be implemented in Malaysia. The three-year plan for Penang included a series of seminars, peer counselling training and sessions. The ultimate goal is to set up an Independent Living Centre to serve people with disabilities, especially those with severe impairment.

After we have presented our three-year action plan, Nakanishi-san, Akiyama-san and Tsutsumi-san commented on how we could further improve and execute our plans. Basically, the action plan that I presented is derived from the discussions that I have been continuously having with several PWD Leaders in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Kuan Aw, Christine, Mee Hong and I share a common vision on how we could achieve this goal. I am confident that by working together we can successfully carry this through. People with disabilities, like everyone else, have the right to self-determination.

Author: Peter Tan

Peter Gabriel Tan. Penangite residing in the Klang Valley. Blissfully married to Wuan. A LaSallian through and through. Slave to three cats. Wheelchair user since 1984. End-stage renal disease since 2017. Principal Facilitator at Peter Tan Training specialising in Disability Equality Training. Former columnist of Breaking Barriers with The Borneo Post. This blog chronicles my life, thoughts and opinions. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.