Umi Asaka

I am originally from Japan and moved to New Zealand when I was 15 years old. I live in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, and am completely in love with the beauty of the lower South Island. I have a mother who has the same condition as me – Osteogenesis Imperfecta – and I grew up with support workers. I love building relationships with people and creating communities where we can support each other.

Currently I am working as a Junior Research Fellow at the Donald Beasley Institute, focusing on the Disabled Persons-Led UNCRPD Monitoring Project. I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Otago in 2019 and I have a good understanding of Aotearoa social context. Two of my missions in life are to realise a society where disabled people can live at the center of the community with support, and where young people have the love and care that they need to thrive in the world.

I am honored to be given this opportunity to be a part of the CCS Disability Action National Board and excited to utilise my passion and lived experience of disability to achieve equality for disabled people in the community.