Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 30, 2023 1
Deaf Disability Hearing Impaired Japan Technology

Unauthorized Computer Access at Mie Support Center for the Hearing Impaired, Personal Information May Have Leaked

The Mie Prefectural Support Center for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, which provides support for the hearing impaired and trains sign language interpreters, announced that someone had gained unauthorized access to a staff member’s computer, possibly leaking the names, addresses, and other personal information of about 1,200 people, including the hearing impaired and sign language interpreters, to outside parties.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 20, 2023 1
Crime Disability Intellectual disabilities Japan

“There was no one I could talk to about my worries”: Mother admits charges for strangling son with a severe intellectual disability to death

A jury trial began on September 20th at the Okayama District Court for a mother accused of strangling and killing her 8-year-old son, who was severely intellectually disabled, in Wake Town, Okayama Prefecture in June 2022. The mother admitted to the indictment, saying, “There is no doubt.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 20, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Japan

New Round of COVID-19 Vaccination Begins in Japan

A new round of COVID-19 inoculation in Japan began Wednesday, mainly using vaccines that are effective against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of the omicron strain of the novel coronavirus.

The vaccination is available for free to all people aged 6 months or older who have received at least one shot. The round will run through the end of next March, with the vaccination costs covered by public funds.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 19, 2023 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Education Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Justice to Revise Treatment Guidelines to Strengthen Support for Developmental Disabilities in Juvenile Training Schools

The Ministry of Justice has decided to revise the treatment guidelines for staff members in juvenile training schools in the next fiscal year in order to strengthen support for juveniles with developmental disabilities. Many juveniles have developmental challenges due to developmental disabilities or abuse, but without appropriate support, they often become delinquent. The new guidelines will provide more guidance to promote the growth of these juveniles according to their individual characteristics and help them smoothly adjust to life in society after discharge from the hospital.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 19, 2023 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Elderly Intellectual disabilities Japan

‘Osaka Model’ for aiding disabled lawbreakers reaches crossroads

Under the system, welfare and other workers assist in defense lawyers’ activities in the investigation and court hearing stages and propose rehabilitation support plans suitable for the defendants in terms of their disabilities and characteristics.

The system, dubbed the “Osaka Model,” has achieved some results, but seems to have reached a turning point as it faces challenges to secure welfare and other personnel.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 17, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Relationships Technology

Disability News Japan Podcast: Japan’s free matching app ‘Irodori’ for disabled, supporters marks 10,000 downloads

A free app for people with disabilities and supporters seeking friendship in Japan has achieved 10,000 downloads in two months since its launch in July. As with other matching tools, users of the “Irodori” app register their own information, such as date of birth and gender, and it has a field to enter whether or not they have a disability. The app has communities where people with similar interests can communicate with each other, and a matching function for men and women. Users’ feedback included, “I have been able to casually talk with people who have similar characteristics to myself.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 16, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan

For “Disability Employment Support Month”, Event Held in Mie Prefecture Shopping Center with People with Disabilities Selling Sweets

In conjunction with “Disability Employment Support Month” in September, an event was held at a shopping center in Tsu City, where cafes where people with disabilities work gathered to sell handmade sweets and other items.

The event was organized by Mie Prefecture and other organizations to expand understanding of employment of people with disabilities, and six cafes where people with disabilities work in the prefecture participated.