Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 19, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Shog.A.I. Shimbun

Disability News Japan Podcast: The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #6: The Spring Equinox Holiday Edition!

The Spring equinox, March 20th 2024 is a national holiday in Japan! There is sakura and a Shog-A.I. Shimbun episode! Today’s episode mentions an NPO in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture that has begun an initiative to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the agricultural field. Michey Peckitt in A.I. mode also talks a bit about the derogatory language that is sometimes used in both LGBT+ and disability journalism.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 19, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Gender Japan Podcast Shog.A.I. Shimbun

Disability News Japan Podcast: The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #5: Japan Gender Identity Society Renamed to Avoid Medicalized Language

What was formerly the GID (Gender Identity Disorder) Society, which promotes research on transgender people whose minds and bodies do not match, officially announced at its general meeting held in Okinawa Prefecture on March 17th that it will change its name. The change, announced Sunday at its general meeting, is in line with the World Health Organization’s recent advice to use the term “gender incongruence” instead of “gender disorder.” The society’s new English name is yet to be formally decided.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 17, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Shog.A.I. Shimbun

Disability News Japan Podcast: The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #4: McDonalds App Fail A Barrier to News Stories!

Ok, this is a bit of fun, but behind it are two serious points. Firstly since the term ‘shogai’ or ‘障害’ can mean ‘failure’, ‘obstacle’ as well as ‘disability’, the algorithm Gods of Google won’t quickly show up recent news stories about disability in Japan because everyone is talking about the McDonald’s App ‘fail’ that happened on Friday.

Secondly, a reliance on technology to accomplish tasks like buying food is also a concern for me as a person with disabilities.

I’m not always lovin’ it.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 7, 2024 1
Barrier Free Disability Internet Japan Technology

Websites in Japan becoming more friendly to people with disabilities 

Private business operators in Japan are gearing up to comply with upcoming legal requirements mandating “reasonable consideration” for people with disabilities.
Against this backdrop, an increasing number of organizations, both in the private and public sectors, are embracing solutions provided by a French startup. The solutions allow for adjustments to website design settings in line with users’ visual, motor and cognitive capabilities, facilitating a more comfortable browsing experience for people with disabilities.

Japan’s revised law on eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities is scheduled to take effect in April. Enacted in 2021, the law mandates that both the central and local governments, along with business operators, provide reasonable consideration to people with disabilities. Previously, business operators were required to make such efforts.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 3, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan

Japanese model with Down syndrome fulfills dream, walks in Paris show

A Japanese model with Down syndrome made a guest appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, making her dream come true as she walked down the runway in a glamorous kimono-inspired dress.

Nao Saito, known by her stage name Nao, walked in the show of international designer Samina Mughal, clad in a red gown tied with a gold “obi” sash. The dress was made by a Japanese company hoping to share Japan’s culture with the world.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 1, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Wheelchair

Disability News Japan Podcast: Japan’s Barrier Free Laws Regarding Wheelchair User Spaces to be Revised

Japan’s infrastructure ministry plans to create a nationwide rule requiring that 0.5 pct of seats at sports venues and theaters be reserved for wheelchair users. The central government’s move comes after many local governments have set their own wheelchair space requirements of 0.5 pct or more.