On 11 Dec 2004 16:05:34 -0800, ohgrbyte@comcast.net brought down from
the Mount tablets inscribed:

>Hi I'm from America, and I'm gearing up to visit Japan for the first
>time. I plan to bring along a few close friends. One is handicapped
>though. Well sort of.
>He was born with a Cleft Palette, and has a slight speech impediment.
>Plus the hairlip is still visable.
>
>I was wondering what the Japanese attitude was towards handicapped
>people?
>Would my friend have to worry? Or is the attitude no different than he
>would suffer in the States?
>Any feed back would be much appreciated. Thankyou.

When I first saw the subject line, I was afraid it was going to be a
question about getting around Japan with a mobility-limiting handicap.

I've known a couple of Japanese with a harelip. I believe it's
generally considered more of a disfigurement than a handicap. The
people I know live their lives just like everyone else does.

I can't see that your friend would have any difficulties in Japan
deriving from his harelip. Certainly not any that should discourage
him from making and enjoying the trip.






--

Michael Cash

"I am sorry, Mr. Cash, but we are unable to accept your rap sheet in lieu of
a high school transcript."

                                Dr. Howard Sprague
                                Dean of Admissions
                                Mount Pilot College