| Summary: | This study describes a series of regularly scheduled residents’ meetings (RMs) on local disability policy during a 15-year period. The study employed an action research analytical method using data gathered in Yao city in western Japan. From 2002 to 2007, I participated in the meetings as an advisor—overseeing two focus groups, each with six key informants who actively managed the meetings. According to the results, the meetings occurred in three phases: the officials’ initiatives (2002-2003), collaborations between city officials and leading residents (2004-2006), and the final fiscal year (2007). Initially, city officials or I led the meetings; later, however, certain residents accepted leadership roles to manage the meetings. Subsequently, the focus group interviewees successfully managed projects. Although these projects were not the ultimate goals of the RMs, they enabled residents to redefine disability issues in the community.
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