Abstract
This study describes a series of regularly scheduled residents’ meetings (RMs) on local disability policy during a 15-year period. The study employed an action research analytical method using data gathered in Yao city in western Japan. From 2002 to 2007, I participated in the meetings as an advisor—overseeing two focus groups, each with six key informants who actively managed the meetings. According to the results, the meetings occurred in three phases: the officials’ initiatives (2002-2003), collaborations between city officials and leading residents (2004-2006), and the final fiscal year (2007). Initially, city officials or I led the meetings; later, however, certain residents accepted leadership roles to manage the meetings. Subsequently, the focus group interviewees successfully managed projects. Although these projects were not the ultimate goals of the RMs, they enabled residents to redefine disability issues in the community.
Highlights
I implemented an action research design to examine the collaborative process among people with disabilities (PWDs), municipal officials, and residents engaged in welfare activities that transpired during a series of residents’ meetings in Japan
Second-term action plan for the disability policy), which are based on the agenda and key meeting leaders
The data from the focus group interviews were developed into four broad categories using the KJ method: (a) interviewees’ understanding of disabilities, (b) dialogues with Yao city officials, (c) difficulty in setting up agendas that were interesting and relevant to all the members, and (d) advantages of the residents’ meetings (RMs) compared with the Yao Council
Summary
I implemented an action research design to examine the collaborative process among people with disabilities (PWDs), municipal officials, and residents engaged in welfare activities that transpired during a series of residents’ meetings (hereafter referred to as “RMs”) in Japan. The Japanese central government has attempted to decrease the number of institutionalized PWDs and increase in-home support services, respite care, and day care facilities to promote the active participation of PWDs in the community (Ozawa & Ohshima, 2012). Grassroots disability movements, such as the independent living movement, philosophies of normalization, and designation of 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (United Nations, 1981), strongly influenced this policy. SAGE Open human rights organizations began negotiating with municipal governments to implement in-home care services because PWDs were increasingly leaving institutions and rejoining their communities
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