The worst thing is Menhara’s fear for her future is
very valid...
I don’t know Japanese so I can’t research the graduation rate of disabled Japanese students,
but only 1 in 10 disabled American students graduate.
It’s probably even worse in Japan because the US’ highly individualist society means that the parents of disabled students (along with older, more independent disabled students) are more likely to:
- Seek accomodations,
- Fight to ensure that their child gets the education they need. (Neglecting special ed students is so common that finding one who DIDN’T get neglected by educators is rare. My baby brother already had his education compromised and he’s a nine year old with physical or learning disabilities.)
- Demand accountability for discrimination.
Between demand for proper education, disability activism, and American’s strong (at least theoretical) belief in equal rights every school is required by law to support disabled students & specialized schools exist for students who can’t manage the typical educational structure. Now, it’s still pretty lacking but it’s far better than even twenty years ago...
Japan has it’s own support system for disabled students but between the far stronger cultural pressure to avoid making waves, increased discrimination, and a focus on the needs of the many the graduation rate is probably even lower.