〔3〕Instructors Training of Esophageal Vocalization
October 1999
Ginreikai・Asian Federation of Laryngectomees' Associations
I. Establishment of the Asian Federation of Laryngectomees' Associations
A. In 1982, the Ginreikai hosted The 3rd World Congress of Laryngectomees in Tokyo, in commemoration of the United Nations' designation of 1981 as the International Year for Disabled Persons (IDYP). At this gathering, a resolution concerning improvements to the situation of laryngectomees around the world was put forth, and concerned individuals agreed to the establishment of the Asian Federation of Laryngectomees' Associations.
B. In 1983, delegates visited the United Nations 0ffice at Vienna/Center for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs (UNOV/CSDHA) and explained that the Federation would work to promote the rehabilitation of laryngectomees in Asia, a group largely without the benefit of social welfare services and making up 55% of laryngectomees worldwide. Offcials at the Center expressed approval for the establishment of the Federation as fulfilling the aim of the resolution adopted the previous year.
C. With this support from the UNOV/CSDHA, the Asian Federation of Laryngectomees' Assodations was formally established in 1984 with the participation of ten Asian nations/regions. The Federation's headquarters was subsequently set up in Tokyo.
D. One of the Federation's activities is to invite laryngectomee trainees from around Asia to the Ginreikai's esophageal vocalization training class and to teach them how to be instructors so that, after their return to their respective countries/regions, they can offer voice training to other laryngectomees and thus promote social rehabilitation.
E. The Federation also sends specialists from the Ginreikai to lead esophageal vocalization training classes and to share instructional techniques at training courses held elsewhere in Asia.
II. Number of Laryngectomees
Estimated: 600,000-Worldwide
330,000-Within Asia