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Sensory Workshop Promotes Understanding and Coexistence

On July 3, 2023, Palsystem Kyosai Seikatsu Kyodo Kumiai Rengokai held a Sensory Workshop at its headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This engaging event was made possible through the collaboration with UniLeaf, a universal picture book library based in Hayama, Kanagawa, led by Toshie Okada. Thirteen staff members participated, immersing themselves in the critical aspects of tactile communication that individuals with visual impairments use to understand their world.

Experiencing Communication Beyond Sight

The workshop began with all participants donning eye masks, facilitating a deeper focus on the tactile experience. Following instructions from Okada, attendees picked one card from a selection of textured cards and then had to find its match through touch and verbal communication. Participants expressed fascinating observations such as, “The feeling is different between my right and left hand,” and “Although the differences are clear when viewed, they feel the same when touched.”

After this initial activity, attendees learned about the Braille system and experienced the tactile sensations of Braille characters by feeling them on specially designed universal picture books created by UniLeaf. They encountered challenges, such as tracing lines that required precision and patience. Okada shared her belief that understanding Braille empowers individuals to learn, regardless of visual ability, fostering inclusive living through communication and creativity.

Engaging in Mutual Understanding

Participants recognized their limited opportunities to focus on tactile sensations in their everyday lives and the importance of devising methods to enhance communication with visually impaired individuals. Moving forward, they plan to report their experiences back to their organizations and propose similar workshops in their local communities to promote a more inclusive society.

The universal picture books used in the workshop are crafted from commercially available books, reassembled with transparent sheets featuring Braille narratives. These are lent out to over 30 educational institutions and individuals nationwide, allowing both sighted and visually impaired individuals to enjoy the same stories and foster mutual understanding.

Okada recalls a moment when her visually impaired daughter was captivated by a Braille book that felt blank to her, highlighting the vast difference in their experiences. Upon discovering the universal picture books, she felt optimistic that they could share discoveries together, prompting her to begin production in 2008.

Building Bridges Through Experience

In her quest to create a society where visually impaired individuals can thrive, Okada was inspired by a bronze model of the Belem Tower during a trip, realizing that it could enhance her daughter’s tourist experiences through touch. This insight led her to establish the “Kenchoji Touch Model Project” in Kamakura, a vision fulfilled after a decade. The project saw the creation of a 1:50 scale bronze model of Kenchoji, supported by grants from the Palsystem Kyosai Rengokai's “Support Fund” and crowdfunding efforts.

The workshop aimed to emphasize the role of tactile models, encouraging sighted participants to consider touch as a means of communication. As Palsystem group members engaged in this experience, they deepened their understanding of each other's activities, paving the way for future initiatives in their communities.

Supporting Those in Need

The “Support Fund” allocates grants to citizens and NPOs working with individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and those at risk of social isolation. Established in FY2021, the fund aims to contribute to creating a mutually supportive community. From it, 10 million Yen was distributed to 23 organizations in FY2024.

The Palsystem Group remains committed to collaborating with people from various backgrounds to foster a community where everyone can thrive.

For further information about Palsystem Kyosai Seikatsu Kyodo Kumiai Rengokai and their initiatives, visit their official website here.