Chairwoman of Tokyo based NPO for inclusive education dies aged 44, problems due to spinal muscular atrophy

By Barrier Free Japan with extracts from The Tokyo Shimbun

January 6 2022

TOKYO – Hiromi Ebihara, Chairwoman of an NPO that promotes independent living and inclusive education for the disabled, died on December 24th 2021 due to problems associated with the progression of spinal muscular atrophy. She was 44 years old.

Ebihara was from Kawasaki City. A memorial for her will be held at a later date.

Ebihara had spinal muscular atrophy, which is a progressive intractable disease, and was the chair of the “Independent Living Center Higashiyamato” based in Tokyo. She used a respirator and a wheelchair. She actively disseminated her opinions in the media and lectures around the world.

The day before her death, she attended a symposium in Shizuoka City online.