Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 28, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Ukraine

Japan provides support for children with disabilities in Ukraine

Japan has provided rehabilitation equipment to Ukraine to help support children with disabilities. More than 130 items are being delivered to the capital city of Kyiv through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The gear includes electric wheelchairs, and robot suits, which help wearers move their lower limbs with less effort. A handover ceremony was held at the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Kyiv on Tuesday 22nd July. Some children tried out the devices.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 16, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Association for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities Establishes Certification System, Aims for Healthy Industry Development

The Japan Association of Business Operators for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities has launched a “Qualified Business Operator Certification System for Disability Support Services.” This new system requires member companies, who provide services like farms and satellite offices to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities, to self-inspect their operations against 107 criteria. The aim is to ensure the healthy growth of the disability employment industry, which currently supports over 9,000 disabled individuals working for more than 1,500 companies. While acknowledging concerns that some companies may view these services merely as a means to meet employment quotas, JAPED believes this industry-wide self-regulation will improve service quality and promote meaningful employment for persons with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Sports

World’s 1st triple-amputee sailor across Pacific arrives in Japan

A British Army veteran who lost both legs and his left hand in Afghanistan made history Tuesday morning by becoming the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific, reaching his destination in western Japan. Craig Wood, 34, who departed Mexico in March, sailed around 13,000 kilometers on a 12.5-meter custom-built aluminum catamaran for 90 days before arriving at Hiroshima Port.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 6, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan Podcast Politics

Japan’s PM Ishiba: “We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability” [Podcast Episode]

On May 30th, the Japanese government held the first event to deepen understanding of people with disabilities, “Tomotomo Festa 2025,” at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who attended the opening ceremony, said, “We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability or not.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Disability Japan Podcast Technology

“We are being left behind”: Visually Impaired People in Japan Struggle with Digitalization [Podcast Episode]

Toyoharu Yoshiizumi (67), head of the information department at the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (and himself visually impaired), pointed out, “As digitalization progresses, we are being left behind.” He said the increase in unmanned stores is also a concern, saying, “Without store clerks, reasonable consideration cannot be given. I think it is difficult for businesses, but I would like them to improve the environment so that visually impaired people can use the facilities.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 24, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free developmental disabilities Disability Japan Travel

Despite Half of Commuters with Disabilities Experiencing Problems Using Trains in Japan, Only 10% of People with Mental Disabilities Request Reasonable Accommodation

Half of people with mental disabilities or developmental disabilities in Japan have experienced problems using trains, but only 10% have requested reasonable accommodation from train staff, according to a survey conducted by the mental disability group Polke on May 2nd. The revised Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, which will come into force in April 2024, requires private businesses, including trains, to provide reasonable accommodation, but the survey report points out that only 10% of people have requested reasonable accommodation, which is a “very serious problem.” It recommended that training for disabled people’s organizations and train staff to learn together needs to be improved.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 22, 2025 1
Barrier Free Blind Japan

“We are being left behind”: Visually Impaired People in Japan Struggle with Digitalization

Toyoharu Yoshiizumi (67), head of the information department at the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (and himself visually impaired), pointed out, “As digitalization progresses, we are being left behind.” He said the increase in unmanned stores is also a concern, saying, “Without store clerks, reasonable consideration cannot be given. I think it is difficult for businesses, but I would like them to improve the environment so that visually impaired people can use the facilities.”