Disability Act Japan

Disability Act Japan

Disability Act

• The Disability Act in Japan is recognized as Disabled Persons Fundamental Law
• This Act is the fundamental or basic law regarding measures for disabled people
• The law states that the dignity of all disabled people should be respected and they should be given full opportunities to participate in society
• The state and local public bodies are made responsible by the law to take welfare measures for persons with disabilities
• The main aim of the law is to allow a disabled person to endeavor to participate in society and family members are expected to promote the independence of the disabled person.
• The law is meant for promoting education for children with special needs and employment opportunities for Persons with disabilities.

Disability Definition

Persons with disabilities in Japan are those who, because of physical, intellectual, mental (including developmental) disabilities or other impairments of physical or mental function are subject to considerable restriction in their vocational life, or who have great difficulty in leading a vocational life, over a long period of time.

Purpose of the Disability Act

• This is the fundamental or basic law regarding measures for disabled people
• The law designates responsibilities for the government and people towards citizens with disabilities in Japan
• The purpose of this law is meant for promoting education for children with special needs as well as for promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The certification of disability in Japan

• The certification of disability in Japan is given in the form of a booklet which is called ‘disability passbook’.
• Persons holding a ‘disability passbook’ are allowed financial aid and a reduced rate of fare in public transportation.
• People with disabilities in Japan need re-certification for their disability every year.

Education for children with special needs

• The law provides education for disabled children such as general classes, special classes, non-residential classes, special schools and itinerant teaching, etc
• This law ensures that higher education is accessible to students with disabilities, coupled with growth in the number of students with disabilities attending university or college.
• Children with special needs, enrolled in such special schools, are supported by the government through provisions of books, meals and transportation.

Employment for the Disabled Persons

• This Act is also responsible for promoting employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
• This law provides a quota for the public as well as private entities for disabled people
• Persons with a mild degree of disability or minor restrictions are not covered under the law.
• Disabled employees, employed under the quota must recertify their disability.
• The law allows making reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities which in some cases can be covered under government allowances.
• The law allows the government to collect levies from employers who fail to employ the required number of persons with disabilities.

Autism policy/Strategy/Bill

• Japan has a high autism rate compared to other developed countries
• 1 of every 55 children is diagnosed with autism.
• Intervention and support for individuals with ASD are typically aimed at maximising quality of life and functional independence to help the person to reach their full potential.
• Children with an autism spectrum disorder in Japan are taught at schools for special needs education
• Schools for special needs education have been set up to provide education pursuant to that given at regular schools to children with autism, and to alleviate the difficulties they encounter in daily living and learning caused by their disabilities
• Classes for special needs education and resource rooms are set up in regular elementary and lower secondary schools, or in regular classes, depending on the degree of disability.

References:

Boeltzig-Brown, Heike. "Disability and Career Services Provision for Students with Disabilities at Institutions of Higher Education in Japan: An Overview of Key Legislation, Policies, and Practices." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 30.1 (2017): 61-81.

Boeltzig-Brown, H. (2017). Disability and Career Services Provision for Students with Disabilities at Institutions of Higher Education in Japan: An Overview of Key Legislation, Policies, and Practices. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 30(1), 61-81.