Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 9, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Para Sports Paralympics Podcast Sports

Ancient Verona Arena boosts accessibility for Paralympics opening ceremony [Podcast Episode]

The modifications to the arena, which dates back around 2,000 years, include ramps, protective railings and, after the games, an elevator. The work has been undertaken as part of some 20 million euros ($23 million) worth of improvements funded by the Italian government to enhance accessibility throughout Verona.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 8, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Paralympics: Ancient Verona Arena boosts accessibility for opening ceremony

The modifications to the arena, which dates back around 2,000 years, include ramps, protective railings and, after the games, an elevator. The work has been undertaken as part of some 20 million euros ($23 million) worth of improvements funded by the Italian government to enhance accessibility throughout Verona.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 26, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Japan Nagoya Podcast

Almost Three Years After Ableist Remarks, Nagoya Aims to Finalize Barrier-Free Policy for Castle Keep [Podcast Episode] 

Nagoya City held a meeting with disability groups and others regarding the wooden reconstruction of the main keep of Nagoya Castle. On February 11th the city held its first public briefing session since discriminatory remarks were made at a citizens’ debate in 2023. At the session, it reaffirmed its policy of proceeding with the wooden reconstruction plan by installing a small-scale lifting device. Nineteen groups, including disability organizations, took part in the meeting held on the 20th, where the city explained the basic principles of the plan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 22, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Japan Nagoya

Nagoya Aims to Finalize Barrier-Free Policy for Castle Keep by February

Nagoya City held a meeting with disability groups and others regarding the wooden reconstruction of the main keep of Nagoya Castle.On the 11th, the city held its first public briefing session since discriminatory remarks were made at a citizens’ debate in 2023. At the session, it reaffirmed its policy of proceeding with the wooden reconstruction plan by installing a small-scale lifting device. Nineteen groups, including disability organizations, took part in the meeting held on the 20th, where the city explained the basic principles of the plan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 16, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

Japan’s new guidelines warn employers not to mislabel access requests as harassment [Podcast Episode]

The guidelines on harassment by customers make clear that employers must take care not to interpret requests for reasonable accommodation from persons with disabilities as customer harassment. They note that discriminatory treatment is prohibited and the provision of reasonable accommodation is mandatory under the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, and state that appropriate responses are required through “constructive dialogue” to build mutual understanding.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 15, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Japan’s new guidelines warn employers not to mislabel disability requests as harassment

The guidelines on harassment by customers make clear that employers must take care not to interpret requests for reasonable accommodation from persons with disabilities as customer harassment. They note that discriminatory treatment is prohibited and the provision of reasonable accommodation is mandatory under the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, and state that appropriate responses are required through “constructive dialogue” to build mutual understanding.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 13, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Welfare

Japan’s ‘first visit date’ rule shows gaps in disability pension system

A Tokyo man in his 50s who was forced to quit his IT job after developing Parkinson’s disease faced difficulties obtaining Japan’s disability pension due to the system’s requirement to prove the date of first medical consultation, highlighting structural hurdles for applicants. Kenichi Sato (pseudonym), 54, was told he needed to verify an initial clinic visit from about 20 years ago, but records had been discarded under the legal five-year retention rule for medical charts.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Produces Draft Report on Disability Employment Guidelines

A meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Study Group on the Future of the Employment Promotion System for Persons with Disabilities” (chaired by Ryuichi Yamakawa, professor at Meiji University) was held on January 30, where a draft report was compiled. To improve the quality of employment for persons with disabilities, elements that the government should prioritize will be compiled into guidelines and stipulated in laws and regulations. Guidelines will also be formulated for the rapidly increasing disability employment business sector, and user companies will be required to submit certain reports so that authorities can provide guidance and supervision.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 7, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Election Japan

Japan Disability Forum Calls for Better Polling Station Access

Ahead of the House of Representatives election to be held and counted on the 8th, the Japan Disability Forum, comprising 59 disability organizations and related groups, submitted a written request to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on January 20 concerning voting by people with disabilities. Pointing out that there are still disparities in how municipal election management committees respond, the group called for wider dissemination of the ministry’s guide, “Examples of Polling Station Responses for Persons with Disabilities,” and for thorough implementation of reasonable accommodations in voting.