Key Facts
• Tomoko Sawada, blind and deaf, relies on touch for cooking and daily tasks.
• Lives with husband Masaru Sawada, who is visually impaired and deaf, and his parents.
• Masaru communicates via hiragana written on his palm; Tomoko uses tactile sign language.
• The couple manages most household chores independently, with occasional parental help.
• Masaru founded “Tsubomi no Kai” to connect and support blind-deaf individuals.
• The group visited a senior care facility to explore future living options.
• Facility features include barrier-free design and wide hallways (2.7 meters).
• Concerns raised about staff training in sign language and braille for blind-deaf residents.
• Facility director highlighted challenges like staff shortages and specialized training needs.
• Tomoko expressed fears of isolation if staff cannot communicate effectively.
• Masaru emphasized the importance of communication for a supportive living environment.
Summary
Tomoko and Masaru Sawada, a blind and deaf couple in Asahikawa, are preparing for a future without parental support. They currently live with Masaru’s parents, who assist when needed, but the couple handles most tasks independently. Through “Tsubomi no Kai,” a group Masaru founded to support blind-deaf individuals, they visited a senior care facility to explore potential living arrangements. While the facility’s barrier-free design impressed them, concerns about staff training in sign language and braille were raised. The couple highlighted the importance of communication to prevent isolation and ensure a supportive environment. This visit marked a significant step in planning their future.
