What is a Disability? Niigata Civic Group and University Students Produces Film About the Lives of People with Disabilities

By Barrier Free Japan

November 21 2024

Niigata – The Niigata Nippo reported on November 19th that in order to deepen understanding of disabilities, a civic group and university students in Higashi Ward, Niigata City, produced a short film “Voice ~ I want to hear your voice ~”. A person involved said, “We hope that this will be an opportunity for people to learn about the real daily life of living together with people with disabilities.”

A representative of the Niigata Organization for Regional Promotion of Disability Culture in Higashi Ward, Niigata City, which conducts activities to promote understanding of people with disabilities, asked four students studying special needs education at Niigata University’s Faculty of Education to help him plan an event in September. The project was supported by the Arts Council Niigata and the film was showcased on September 15, 2024, at Niigata City Higashi-ku Plaza Hall.

They interviewed people with disabilities and their supporters. The film collects candid opinions about the image of people with disabilities and asks the question, “What is a disability? The filmmakers hope that the audience will learn about the real daily lives of people with disabilities.