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by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 10, 2024 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Kyoto Wheelchair

(Update) JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – There is Hope!

Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or ‘unavailable for use’ for weeks. Barrier Free Japan reported on October 31st 2024 that almost over one year later, it remained ‘out of order’. On Friday 8th November 2024, Barrier Free Japan observed an ‘accessible toilet’ which was ‘un-taped off!’

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 9, 2024 Number of comments0
Health Influenza Japan

Flu Season Starts in Japan

The number of flu patients reported from about 5,000 regularly monitored medical institutions across the country in the week through Sunday was 1.04 per facility. The number exceeded 1.0, indicating that the flu season has begun. The start came slightly earlier than the average year. By prefecture, Okinawa logged the highest figure with 10.64 patients, followed by Shizuoka with 2.09, Chiba with 2.00, Oita with 1.66 and Fukui with 1.62.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 8, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan Podcast

Over Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with Disabilities [Podcast Episode]

Companies in Japan of a certain size are required by law to employ people with disabilities, according to the ‘Act on Promotion of Employment of People with Disabilities’. Companies with 40 or more employees in Japan are required by law to employ at least one person with a disability. According to the Toyama Labor Bureau, over half of the companies that meet that certain size have not employed a single person, so-called zero-employment companies.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 7, 2024 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Over Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with Disabilities

Companies in Japan of a certain size are required by law to employ people with disabilities, according to the ‘Act on Promotion of Employment of People with Disabilities’. Companies with 40 or more employees in Japan are required by law to employ at least one person with a disability. According to the Toyama Labor Bureau, over half of the companies that meet that certain size have not employed a single person, so-called zero-employment companies.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 6, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free developmental disabilities Disability Education Japan Podcast

Tokyo Ward Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disabilities [Podcast Episode]

A national subsidy system has been launched for “five-year-old health checkups” conducted by local governments. The main aim is to detect developmental disorders early before entering elementary school and connect them to support through medical care, welfare. The results of the checkups are thought to have a bearing on each individual’s schooling.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 5, 2024 1
developmental disabilities Education Japan

Ota Ward, Tokyo Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disorders

A national subsidy system has been launched for “five-year-old health checkups” conducted by local governments. The main aim is to detect developmental disorders early before entering elementary school and connect them to support through medical care, welfare. The results of the checkups are thought to have a bearing on each individual’s schooling. Ota Ward in Tokyo has decided to introduce a free “5-year-old health check” for preschool children. It has already started on a trial basis at nurseries in the ward. The test places more emphasis on mental development than the current school entry health check, takes more time to test. The aim is to lead to early detection and support of developmental disorders. Ota Ward began the trial of five-year-old health checkups in October for some nursery school children. Based on the results, it is considering implementing them for all five-year-olds in 2026.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 4, 2024 Number of comments0
Abuse Elderly Japan

Childhood Trauma Raises Risk of Elderly Abuse: Study

People with adverse childhood experiences (ACE), such as domestic violence and neglect, are up to 7.65 times more prone to verbally or physically abusing elderly people than those without such experiences are, Japanese researchers have found. The researchers, including Chie Koga, project assistant professor of the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, analyzed answers collected in September-October 2022 in an online survey that asked participants about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives and health. Compared with people without ACEs, the risk of abusing elderly people was 3.22 times higher for respondents who have had at least one type of such experience, such as parental divorce and physical and psychological abuse, and 7.65 times higher for those who have experienced two or more types.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 4, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast

Violinist with Cerebral Palsy to Perform in Shinagawa During Disabled Persons Week [Podcast Episode]

December 3rd to December 9th every year is Disability Week. The Disabled Persons Week was established by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities to promote interest and understanding of welfare of persons with disabilities among the public at large, and to promote active participation of persons with disabilities in activities in all fields. Shikimachi Mizuki, a violinist who has cerebral palsy will perform a piece composed for the event, “Barrier-free Heart: Healing Tones”.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 3, 2024 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan

“Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week” Event to be Held in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo on December 7th 2024

December 3th to December 9th every year is Disability Week. The Disabled Persons Week was established by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities to promote interest and understanding of welfare of persons with disabilities among the public at large, and to promote active participation of persons with disabilities in activities in all fields. Every year, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo holds a “Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week” with the hope that as many people as possible will become aware of Disabled Persons Week and that they will take an interest in the welfare of people with disabilities.