#Japan #Mitaka #Startline #Silent Voices #Takuya Onaka

Understanding Communication Beyond Barriers: A Recap of the Silent Voices Lecture

On November 5, 2025, Startline, a company committed to creating an inclusive society for individuals with disabilities, hosted an enlightening online lecture featuring Takuya Onaka, Executive Director of the certified NPO Silent Voices. The purpose of this event was to deepen employees' understanding of disabilities and foster a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.

Background of the Event

This lecture focused on providing practical insights beyond the conventional framework of 'reasonable accommodation' for supporting individuals with hearing disabilities. It aimed to delve into the unique perspectives shaped by Deaf culture and the personal experiences of Deaf individuals. Onaka, who identifies as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), shared his diverse insights, drawing from both his personal background and professional expertise in innovative educational and employment support systems.

Highlights of the Lecture

Theme: "Experiences of Hearing Disabilities, Being a CODA, and Social Issues in NPO Activities"

Onaka began by reframing the perception of hearing disabilities, emphasizing that they should not be viewed solely through the lens of disability but rather as a matter of linguistic minority status. His own upbringing in a Deaf family, where sign language was the first language, allowed him to illustrate this point effectively.

Reducing Cognitive Load through Visual Support

Participants engaged in various interactive workshops that highlighted the cognitive fatigue experienced by Deaf individuals when relying on speechreading. This experience underscored the importance of visual aids in communication, beyond mere transcription of spoken words. Onaka elaborated on how effective information design, utilizing bold text, color coding, and logical layouts, enhances both comprehension and accessibility.

Shifting Perspectives: From Limitations to Strengths

Through sharing personal anecdotes, such as his mother’s successful café business leveraging her heightened visual awareness, Onaka inspired attendees to reconsider how perceived disabilities could transform into unique strengths depending on the environment and mindset.

Feedback from Employees

Many participants expressed a transformative shift in their understanding post-lecture. For instance, one participant reflected, "I realized that disability isn't inherently negative, and it was empowering to learn different perspectives on support and communication."

Another employee noted the common misconception that Deaf individuals face insurmountable communication barriers. They acknowledged the advancements in technology that enhance capabilities and expressed the desire to promote this understanding within their organization.

Moving Forward: A Paradigm Shift in Support

The insights gathered from Onaka’s presentation will be vital in shaping the future of disability employment support at Startline. The company is committed to ongoing dialogue with experts and individuals with disabilities to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) literacy among employees. The aim is to ensure everyone can work in a setting where they feel respected and valued.

Speaker Profile

Takuya Onaka - Executive Director of Silent Voices
Born in Shiga Prefecture, Onaka is a CODA who grew up with Deaf parents, using sign language as his primary language. After working at an advertising agency, he founded Silent Voices in 2017, focusing on nurturing the unique talents of Deaf children and offering training programs for companies employing Deaf individuals.
Silent Voices Website

Company Background: Startline

Startline specializes in providing comprehensive support for disability employment services, from workplace creation to retention strategies. Founded in 2009, the company operates with the philosophy of fostering understanding and empathy towards individuals and aims to create a society where everyone can live authentically. Their range of services includes customized training for companies and individuals, alongside innovative employment support programs. This commitment to expanding opportunities embodies their mission to enable diverse individuals to thrive.

As we continue to learn from experts like Onaka and adopt inclusive practices, we move closer to achieving a society where everyone can express their true selves at work.