Aspirations to Support and Transform:

An Exploratory Narrative Analysis of a Visually Impaired Non-Native Speaker of Japanese

Abstract

This study investigates the structure and developmental process of role identity transformation experienced by a visually impaired Japanese non native speaker (Participant A), drawing on an in depth interview. The analysis demonstrates that Participant A established a foundation for life in Japan through both institutional and incidental forms of support, thereby redefining autonomy as the capacity to act agentively while accepting assistance. Recognition of the reciprocity inherent in support enabled Participant A to reconceptualize moments of receiving help as opportunities to instruct others in appropriate guiding techniques. These experiences collectively facilitated a shift from a recipient of support to an active agent promoting societal understanding of visual impairment.