Establishment of Penguin Support

In April 2026, 'Penguin Support,' an advisory support facility, was established in Nishiki-machi, Oita City. The facility is managed by Hidenori Kambayashi, a veteran with approximately 23 years of experience in the disability welfare field. His background includes various roles in Type B employment support, daily living care, helper services, and group homes, with 10 years served specifically as a consultation support specialist.

Background of Establishment

The establishment of this facility is deeply rooted in Mr. Kambayashi's own experience of becoming a 'recipient of care.' In 2024, he suffered a serious illness, leading to a long-term hospitalization of approximately one year. During this time, he endured a tracheotomy that prevented speech, difficulties in thermoregulation, and instances of inadequate treatment, all of which taught him the pain and isolation of being on the receiving end of support. This experience solidified his commitment to 'accept everyone first and think through matters together.'

Core Concept: 'Thinking Together, Living Together'

Both Mr. Kambayashi and Eri Mametsuka, the Board Chair of the operating NPO 'Konpeito Kikaku,' are individuals with disabilities. Their decision to launch this advisory office was prompted by encountering 'problems that cannot be solved within the framework of employment support' while working at their related facility, 'Type B Employment Support Penguin Creates.'

In his consultations, Mr. Kambayashi prioritizes lowering the initial barrier for users. Rather than jumping straight into business, he engages in natural conversation and greetings to relax the atmosphere, paying careful attention to non-verbal communication such as facial expressions and gestures. He focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for a user's lack of confidence at their own pace, aiming to support them in accumulating small, successful experiences.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News