Japan Government Forms National Review Committee to Discuss Functions and Roles of Residential Facilities for People with Severe Intellectual Disabilities

From NHK

May 27 2025

TOKYO – While efforts are being made to allow people with disabilities to live in the areas of their choice, a national review committee has begun, consisting of experts and people with disabilities, to discuss the functions and roles of large-scale “residential facilities” where people with severe intellectual disabilities live.

Regarding housing for people with disabilities, there has been a shift from residential facilities where dozens of people live together to “group homes” using ordinary houses, and the number of people entering facilities has decreased by more than 6,500 in five years.

However, people with severe intellectual disabilities need support staff with specialized knowledge, and it has been pointed out that there are still not enough facilities such as group homes in the community to accommodate them.

Against this backdrop, the first meeting of a study group to discuss the role and function of residential facilities as the transition to community living progressed was held on the 26th, with committee members expressing opinions such as the need to secure more human resources to support local life for people with severe disabilities, and that facilities should have the function of supporting people with disabilities living in the community, such as by serving as temporary places when specialized support is needed.

On the other hand, with people waiting to be admitted to facilities, it was pointed out that the national government needs a system to keep track of those on the waiting list.

The study group is scheduled to compile a report by the end of the fiscal year on the future vision for residential facilities.