This year coinciding with VVI’s 50th anniversary, CWAJ received a very special recognition, the Helen Keller Sullivan Award from the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. At the awards ceremony, Eri Nakase, one of the VVI Co-Chairs, gave the following speech, thanking the group for the award and talking about her long relationship with CWAJ. Below is the speech:
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Eri Nakase, and I was just introduced by Heidi, the President of CWAJ. I serve as the Co-chair of VVI together with my fellow Co-chair, Nancy Tsurumaki. I myself am totally blind from birth and was a CWAJ Scholarship recipient in 2004. First of all, on behalf of VVI, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting us as the award recipient. VVI was established in 1975 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Throughout these five decades, members from various countries have developed diverse programs focusing on English. We are deeply honored that our long-standing efforts have been recognized through this award. As Heidi has already explained the details of our activities, I would like to take this opportunity to share my personal connection with CWAJ.
I first learned about CWAJ when I was a high school student at the Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba. In my third year of high school, I had the chance to study in the United States for one year as an exchange student. I decided to go abroad because I wanted to experience living in another culture, though I was far from confident in my English skills at the time. Before my departure, I often worried, wondering, “Will I really be able to manage in the U.S.?” For me, the English Conversation Gatherings organized by CWAJ were a wonderful opportunity to practice speaking English and to communicate with people from abroad. I was truly grateful for those experiences.
Even today, I continue to participate in the gatherings whenever my schedule allows. What I find particularly “CWAJ-like” is the way foreign members introduce their own countries. They make thoughtful efforts so that visually impaired participants can experience their culture through senses other than sight — by touching traditional clothing, listening to musical instruments, or even tasting local dishes. These programs are always very well received by participants, who describe them as rich and fulfilling.
Currently, I work in corporate communications. Reading and writing in English is an essential part of my daily work, and I believe that understanding other cultures is vital when collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds. Having had opportunities to develop these skills since high school through CWAJ’s programs, I feel truly fortunate.
When I applied for the CWAJ Scholarship as a university student, I also had many opportunities to interact with CWAJ members afterward. What struck me most was their warmth and kindness. For example, when I came for my scholarship interview, a CWAJ volunteer was assigned to meet me at the nearest station of the venue and guide me to the venue. That thoughtful support moved me deeply, and I still remember it clearly today.
As a person with a disability, there are times when I must ask for assistance or special arrangements, and I sometimes feel reluctant to do so. Yet the CWAJ members willingly choose to engage with people who are visually impaired, standing beside us with compassion. They continually consider how their activities can help visually impaired individuals participate more fully in society, and how to make their events both safe and enjoyable for everyone. As a blind person, I am deeply moved and filled with lasting gratitude—feelings that remain unchanged to this day.
I joined CWAJ and became a member of VVI about four years ago. A CWAJ member invited me to join, and I gladly accepted. The COVID-19 pandemic made me work mostly from home, which gave me some extra time to engage in volunteer activities, and that also encouraged my decision.
I decided to join because I felt that having a member who could speak from the perspective of visually impaired would make VVI’s activities more inclusive and supportive. Since joining, I have reviewed to make sure that scholarship application forms are accessible to screen reader users, and helping to ensure that the upcoming digital edition of our 50th Anniversary booklet is also user-friendly for people with visual impairments.
Our VVI’s activities have continued for 50 years thanks to the generous understanding and support of many organizations and individuals. I am certain that, during this time, many visually impaired people like myself have been supported and inspired by CWAJ’s work and its members. To everyone who has contributed to these efforts, I extend my deepest appreciation.
We will continue to adapt to the changing needs of visually impaired people and of society, and to carry out a wide range of meaningful activities. Thank you for your continued support.
That concludes my remarks. Thank you for your attention.
