The Mitsubishi Electric Advanced Technology Research Institute in Japan is researching remote control technology on the theme of no-contact. This initiative is being undertaken so that people with physical disabilities can perform jobs and find work.
At first, elevators were not included in the reconstruction plan pushed by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who insisted that the rebuilt castle should be as faithful to the original as possible. However, the plan has faced opposition from disabled people’s groups and others.
“Barrier-free minds” is a phrase that various parts of the Japanese government uses often in its various campaigns to raise awareness of disability issues; and of course, raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities within the non-disabled population of Japan is a positive thing. However sometimes the desire of the Japanese government to talk about “barrier-free minds”, seems to replace any talk or action about developing ‘barrier-free spaces’. It is all very well and good to talk about “barrier-free minds”, but sometimes, people with disabilities need accessible physical spaces, ultimately no ‘positive attitude’ will turn that staircase into an elevator.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established appropriate facilities and equipment such as barrier-free toilets, parking facilities for wheelchair users, elevators in passenger facilities, and priority seats in vehicles so that those who truly need them can use them when they need them. The Ministry will carry out a campaign to promote the use of these facilities and promote “barrier-free minds.”
Created by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2012 to help people with hidden impediments, or “invisible disabilities.” This includes people with prosthetic legs, artificial joints, internal ailments, and rare diseases. However public recognition of the sign remained low. The free-of-charge distribution of tags with the symbol had begun in all 47 prefectures in the country by October 2021.
According to a 2021 survey conducted by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation (SSF), Japan only has about 150 sports facilities used either exclusively or preferentially by people with a disability. This is a very small figure when set against the about 9.64 million people across the country who have a disability.
From August 30th, Lawson will install a pointing sheet at the checkout counters at all stores so that people with hearing disabilities can shop with peace of mind. It is said that this is because the staff members have also started wearing masks due to the corona crisis, making it difficult to understand what they are saying by looking at their mouths.
A Japanese law to facilitate access to and use of various information by people with disabilities has entered force. The legislation is expected to be a foothold for pushing to make information barrier-free, in addition to removing physical barriers at stations, buildings, roads, and other places.
Legislation is expected to be passed in the current parliamentary session to support persons with disabilities to obtain the same information they need in their daily lives and during disasters as able-bodied persons, with the aim of eliminating disparities. Issues have been raised regarding the acquisition of information by persons with disabilities, such as the fact that subtitles and sign language interpreters are sometimes not provided for disaster news.
A nationwide survey conducted by Kyodo News found that only less than 40% of prefectural sports facilities have conducted staff training within the past three years on how to consider and accommodate disabled persons.
Barrier Free Japan