Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 11, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Disasters Earthquake Japan March 11 Medical Podcast

3/11 Earthquake 15 Years On [Podcast Episode]

Many evacuees from Fukushima Prefecture cite anxiety about a lack of medical services as a reason for their hesitation to return to their hometowns devastated by a severe nuclear accident following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. More than half of the population who lived in Futaba just before the triple disaster are still living outside their hometowns, although evacuation orders have been lifted in many places in the county. In Fukushima, the number of medical institutions has plunged since the disaster. Many of the 132 medical facilities that had operated in the prefecture have suspended operations, leaving only 47 currently in service.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 10, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Japan’s Muraoka Wins Silver at Milan-Cortina Paralympics

Momoka Muraoka won the silver medal in the women’s alpine skiing super-G sitting event at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics on Monday, bringing Japan its first medal of the ongoing games. Despite failing to win back-to-back gold medals in the event, Muraoka secured a podium finish for the third consecutive Winter Paralympics.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 10, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Crime Disability Japan Podcast

Chiba Mother Arrested Over Alleged Drowning Death of Disabled Daughter [Podcast Episode]

A mother has been arrested on suspicion of killing her daughter by drowning her face in water at a home in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture. The suspect (58) is suspected of killing her daughter Kana (29) by holding her head against a container filled with water at her home in Mobara City on the 8th. Kana was severely disabled and bedridden, and the mother reportedly admitted to the charges, saying, “I intended to kill myself, too.”

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 March 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Disability Japan Welfare

Saitama Disability Facility to Be Abolished on April 1; Families of Users Forced Into Unwanted Transfers Say Move Is “Irresponsible”

Families of users of a disability care facility in Kawaguchi have voiced concern over the planned April 1 closure of the center, saying many clients still have no confirmed alternative placements. City officials said the decision was driven by rising welfare costs, noting that the annual designated management fees are about 4.04 million yen for the daily care facility and roughly 2.33 million yen for a related employment support center. The closure ordinance was approved by the municipal assembly with support from members of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, but families criticized the timeline as too short to arrange suitable transfers. The assembly has also urged the city government to take responsibility if alternative placements are not secured before the shutdown.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 7, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Wheelchair curlers open Milan Cortina Paralympic Games for Japan

Japan’s wheelchair curling mixed doubles team opened the country’s campaign at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on Wednesday, ahead of the official start of the international sporting event later this week. Aki Ogawa, 50, and Yoji Nakajima, 61, lost 10-3 to China in their opening round-robin match after surrendering an early lead and allowing their opponents to steadily extend the margin. Admitting she was unable to overcome the pressure, Ogawa said after the match at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, “It is a pleasure to play the sport I love on such a stage.”