Kanagawa prefecture to introduce new measures to help people with disabilities to live where they want

From NHK

February 18 2023

KANAGAWA – Kanagawa Prefecture will start new measures from the new fiscal year to support people with severe disabilities so that they can live in the area they want.

Six years ago, following the murder of 19 people at Tsukui Yamayurien, a Kanagawa prefectural facility for disabled people, people with severe disabilities were sent to areas of their choice, rather than in a facility. However, the number of recipients is limited, and depending on the prefecture, things are not progressing as expected.

For this reason, the prefecture will start a new initiative to train human resources to promote the transition from the new fiscal year.

In addition, private businesses will also solicit proposals to promote the transition, and if they are adopted, the necessary expenses will be subsidized, and the consultation system will be enhanced so that persons with disabilities can live with peace of mind in the community.

Through these measures, the prefecture hopes to move 60 people to local group homes by the end of March next year, and has included more than 239 million yen in the budget for the new fiscal year as necessary expenses.

Governor Kuroiwa said, “I would like to work on improving local resources and moving forward so that the person can live the life he or she wants in the place he or she wants.”