VI. General Policy Direction for Strategies in Each Field
Targeting the Quality of Life (QOL)

Targeting the Quality of Life (QOL)

1. Research and Development and Dissemination of Assistive Devices

(1) Developing a Research and Development System for Assistive Devices

• The promotion of basic and clinical research and development at the National Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled. Also, the promotion of research and development into safe, highly convenient and inexpensive medical and assistive devices, based on links between industry, academia and government, and utilizing the latest in industrial technology.

• The advancing of the investigation of the development of joint-use databases, integrated development standards and similar tools to enable effective development, etc., of assistive devices in a consistent form. Also, the implementation of basic research for standardization, etc., to promote the standardization of assistive devices.

(2) Promoting Research and Development in the Private Sector and Industry Efforts

• The provision of measures such as support for private-sector organizations, etc., conducting practical research and development into assistive devices, based on the Law concerning the Promotion of Research, Development and Diffusion of Social Welfare Equipment. Also, encouragement for industry efforts in the field of assistive devices through measures such as the development of a foundation for the evaluation of assistive devices.

• The development of a foundation for the evaluation of assistive devices in order to boost adaptability and secure the safety of assistive devices.

(3) Promoting the Dissemination of Assistive Devices

• The diversification of guidance and providing services and expansion of the follow-up service to provide persons with disabilities with a good choice of assistive devices according to their needs.

• The expansion of training programs of staff who engage in guidance and evaluation of assistive devices for the appropriate dissemination of assistive devices.

2. Research and Development, Dissemination of Info-communications Devices and Systems

• The promotion of the development in industry circles of devices conforming to the "Accessibility Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities about Information Processing Equipment," and the proliferation of such devices through explanation meetings and other fora based on the aforementioned Guidelines.

• Research and development into areas such as sound transmission systems for persons with hearing difficulties that utilize bone conductor mechanisms, other info-communications systems, info-communications terminals and information transmission technology designed for persons with disabilities and others. Also, increasing the consideration for persons with disabilities when introducing the latest technology.

3. Expanding Information Services

• Increasing the number of Information Centers for Persons with Hearing Disabilities where the video cassettes with captions and sign language are produced and lent out. Also, the expansion of functions in Braille libraries in line with the increasing use of information technology.

• The conversion of a wide range of information necessary for persons with disabilities -- including health and welfare information, information on assistive devices, and information about communications and broadcasting services for persons with physical disabilities -- to database format, and the development of a structure that can use methods such as personal computer communications and fax communications to provide this information.

• An appropriate measure to the issue of sign language interpretation on election broadcasting of candidates' platform in accordance with the circumstances of conditions.

4. Expanding Broadcasting Services

• The provision of subsidies for production of broadcast programs with closed captions and video descriptions, etc., based on the "Law for Promoting Businesses That Facilitate the Use of Communications and Broadcast Services by the Physically Disabled, to Make These Services More Convercent and More Accessible to Persons with Disabilities." Also, the promotion of research and development on the technology of efficient program production, and the expansion of broadcast programs with closed captions and video descriptions for persons with visual and hearing disabilities.

• The development of broadcasting systems especially for persons with visual and hearing disabilities and other measures, and the preparation of the environment to enable persons with visual and hearing disabilities to enjoy adequate access to information through broadcasts.

5. Promoting Sports, Artistic and Cultural Activities

• The promotion of sports for persons with disabilities through events such as the Winter Paralympic Games, Nagano (March 1998) and many other types of sporting events, the holding of sports and recreation classes and the development of facilities which can be used by persons with disabilities for sporting purposes.

• The strengthening of instructor training programs and the promotion of volunteer participation at sporting events to enhance awareness and understanding on the sports for persons with disabilities.

• Support for the holding of events such as art festivals and exhibitions involving the participation of persons with disabilities, and other measures designed to promote artistic and cultural activities that make life more fulfilling for and promote the participation in community life of persons with disabilities.

6. Developing Parks, Water Precincts and Other Open Spaces

(1) Incorporating Consideration of Persons with Disabilities into Parks and Other Facilities

• The expansion of city parks, including the development of a network of parks consisting of a park in every residential block in virtually every city area, in order to secure local places for health, meeting and exchange among persons with disabilities and others, by the early 21st century (target date), and the provision within these parks of toilet facilities and other types of facilities for use by persons with disabilities and others.

• The development of parks integrated with welfare facilities and other facilities, to provide persons with disabilities and others with opportunities for outdoor activity and foster a caring and helping attitude in those without disabilities through meetings and exchanges with persons with disabilities and others.

(2) Incorporating Consideration of Persons with Disabilities into the Development of Water Precincts

• The development of riverside, coastal and other areas with gently-sloping embankments, ramps, rest facilities and other such considerations to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy waterside precincts in comfort and peace of mind.

7. Measures to Promote Travel for Persons with Disabilities

• The drawing up of guidelines required for more pleasant and desirable travel, pertaining to both hardware and software aspects of accommodations and other facilities, to enable persons with disabilities and others to travel with more ease and peace of mind.

• The promotion of the development of a structure to provide user information about accommodations, travel products, etc., for persons with disabilities and others.

8. Improving Dietary Information for Persons with Visual Disabilities

• The improvement of the dietary environment for persons with visual disabilities and others through measures such as the development of effective food labeling.

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The Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities
— A SEVEN-YEAR NORMALIZATION STRATEGY —
Tentative Edition in English

Translated by
the Secretariat of the Headquarter
for Promoting the Welfare of Disabled Persons,
Prime Minister's Office

6-1, Nagatacho 1-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, TOKYO, 100
JAPAN