In this inspiring TEDx talk, Manami Inada, a junior high school student born deaf, shares her journey of navigating the world with a cochlear implant and the invaluable support of her community. Beyond physical accommodations, Manami introduces the concept of “barrier-free minds”—a call for emotional and mental openness to truly support and understand individuals with disabilities.
From her experiences during emergencies where auditory information was inaccessible, to her performance as a deaf dancer at the Tokyo Paralympics closing ceremony, Manami emphasizes the importance of empathy, proactive communication, and mutual respect. She also sheds light on the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, advocating for greater awareness and inclusivity.
Join Manami as she dances towards a future where society embraces both physical and emotional accessibility, ensuring everyone can live freely and connect authentically. Manami was diagnosed with severe hearing loss at five months old. Completely deaf, she has been using a cochlear implant since age two and undergoing habilitation to maximize her hearing. After graduating from a local public elementary school, she now attends a private girls’ junior high. Among her many experiences, dancing became her passion. She has danced since childhood and is a member of her school’s dance club.Manami believes that while accessible facilities like ramps, elevators, and communication services have become more common, what’s truly needed is a “barrier-free mindset” to create a society where everyone can live comfortably.Dreaming of becoming an editor, Manami finds comfort in reading—an activity that helps her relax when she struggles with hearing. She reads about 100 books a year and participates in national “bibliobattles” (book discussion competitions). She is actively pursuing her dream through various activities inside and outside of school. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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