Questions about moving to Japan
Questions about moving to Japan
I know it’s almost 1am in Japan, so I don’t expect a response right now unless you are a night owl.
I’m not entirely sure that I’ve shared this in here… (may be long, sorry)
So, my husband is a special education teacher here in the states (Alabama). Over the past year and a half, we’ve felt like one day in the future, we’re supposed to move to Japan so that my husband can use his special education teacher skills in Japan helping disabled students and families.
We’ve not discussed this in great detail with our kids because we’d like them to finish their education here before moving. Although we are all learning Japanese through the Pimsleur app, we are obviously not fluent yet, so we understand that there will be a language barrier.
Anyway…
In regards to moving there with a disability, I’ve read online that there is some type of assistance for people with disabilities. Here in the states, I have SSI and Medicaid, for example. Is there such a thing in Japan?
And if doctors visits are necessary for whatever reason, do any of the doctors speak English? It may be about 6 years before we move, but even then, I don’t expect to be completely fluent in Japanese. (I’m only on Japanese 1, and apparently there are 5 levels with Pimsleur)
If any of you went to a school like where my husband is interested in teaching one day, or know about what I’m talking about (he heard about these schools via Japanese friends on Tandem who have children with disabilities), can you please share any information?
I know there is so much more to think about before we move there, which, is obviously one of the reasons why we haven’t moved yet.
For reference, my husband grew up in a missionary family in Germany. His parents were insistent on learning the language while living there in order to communicate with people. We believe in doing the same thing, which is why we’re learning Japanese now.
I know all of this is pretty specific, but thanks for any help regarding this.
- 4 Replies
Hi I’m Keita.
Difficult English words cannot be understood without translation. However, I sympathize with everyone's wonderful way of life. I am paralyzed on my right side. I would like to help everyone in Japan. I live in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City. About 30 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Please come to Japan.
Keita
Thanks for your reply!
Your best bet would be to contact the Japanese Embassy in the states, There are restrictions for living / working in Japan (work holiday visa is only available under 35 years of age). In major centres, you can find doctors with englIsh, but someone who can translate for you is easier (think, specialists, dentists etc.). If you live in Japan, there is a disabled person card that gives you discounts on services. You will need to buy some insurance, it is co-pay, but the amount you pay is very low. An example, I went to the hospital with stomach pains, they gave me an MRI, didn’t see much, gave me an IV bag to help hydrate me. I was there for about 4 hours, my portion was 1500 yen. I went to the dentist, had a tooth removed and replaced, about 25,000 yen.
The website Gaijin-pot may also give you more info about teaching in Japan.
Ok thank you! That is helpful.
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