The Japanese Govt once again urges taxi companies to accept wheelchairs users in ‘Universal Design’ cabs after reports of refusal
“[A]mong the 120 cases surveyed, there were 32, or 27 percent, in which wheelchair users were refused taxi rides.”
Category: Travel
“Discrimination without reasonable consideration”: disability group sues JR Kyushu station over ‘unmanned station’
“JR Kyushu is promoting the implementation of unmanned station in Oita city that discriminates against people with disabilities.
A civic group made up of people with disabilities and supporters will file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the Oita District Court on November 19th”
Akashi City explores ideas regarding tourism for people with disabilities
“In Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, a walking tour was conducted to consider the ideal tourist destination for people with disabilities, caregivers, and healthy people while visiting local landmarks with wheelchair users.”
25 people from disability groups check that JR Saitama Shintoshin is Barrier Free
“On November 14th, a group of disabled organizations in Saitama city confirmed the status of barrier-free maintenance in the city, on and around JR Saitama Shintoshin Station.”
Japan aims to keep elderly in driver’s seat with compact EV subsidies
“Japan’s industry ministry is weighing a maximum allocation of around 100,000 yen ($915) per purchase, the officials said, as the one- to two-seater EVs are looked at as a way to provide Japan’s rapidly aging population with an easier and safer means of mobility, particularly in rural areas where public transport is limited.”
A Railway Station worker in Japan offers advice on how to assist the disabled, begging the question: What is ‘reasonable accommodation?’
“If you are asked for assistance by a disabled person or an elderly person at the station, how far should you respond? A letter from an station employee of a Japanese railroad company sent to the ‘life section’ of The Chunichi Shimbun offered this advice…”
Japan Eyeing Limited Driver’s License for Elderly Drivers
“Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed relevant cabinet ministers on Tuesday to accelerate work toward introducing a “limited” driver’s license that will allow holders to drive only vehicles with safety support functions.”
Disability action group asks why Japan aims for Universal Design Taxis but wheelchair users are often refused service
“There are universal design (UD) taxis in Japan which wheelchair users can use but often the driver refuses disabled people. The organization “DPI Japan” will conduct a survey to investigate such refusals in different areas of Japan. The DPI aims to improve the situation before many wheelchair users from overseas visit Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.”
Keisei Electric Railway alters Braille block after ‘white cane’ using woman fell to her death
“A railway company renovated a Braille block, in response to an accident in which a visually impaired woman fell and died at a station…The Keisei Electric Railway said, “We will continue to work on safety measures in response to this painful accident.” ”
ANA avatar robots, flying cars buzz at Japan high-tech show
“”We want people who cannot take planes for reasons such as illness, physical disability as well as economic and political circumstances, to overcome challenges and travel…enabling such people to connect with others around the world means the same as having them take our flights.”
Barrier Free Japan 