CREATIVE KIDS TOP Other What Are Developmental Disorders?

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2018.12.17
What Are Developmental Disorders?

The last NHK Central Program Council meeting of the year.
　
I became a council member in March, and I feel like I’ve watched more NHK programs over the past nine months than ever before.
During the discussion on the “Basic Plan for Domestic Broadcasting Program Production,” I was surprised and deeply moved to learn that they would consider my opinions so carefully and actually incorporate them into the plan (*^^*)
Last month, NHK launched a company-wide campaign titled “What Are Developmental Disabilities?”, and approximately 20 programs
featured content related to developmental disabilities.
Among them, I highlighted a two-minute animated series called “What Is ‘Normal’?”
　
Produced in collaboration with people with developmental disabilities, this program promotes understanding among others by
depicting the world as seen through the eyes of those with these conditions.
　
And in every episode, it poses this question:
“My ‘normal,’ your ‘normal.’ What exactly is ‘normal’ anyway?”
　
Everyone is different. We all have our own idea of “normal.”
If we can build a society where each person’s unique traits are accepted as part of their individuality,
communication between us will become much smoother.
　
I believe this program contributed to raising the moral standards of society as a whole.
Glasses for people with poor eyesight have now become fashion items.
Some people even wear them just for style. I hope all disabilities will come to be viewed in the same way.
　
I used to spend my nights in Shibuya almost every day when I was a student, but this was the first time I saw the illuminations at Yoyogi Park.
　


　

Profile


  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”