The Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities
- A Seven-Year Normalization Strategy -
(Out1ine)

[Features of the Action Plan]

• Action Plan for high priority policies of the New Long-Term Program for Government Measures for Disabled Persons - Towards a Society for All

• A seven-year plan from 1996 to 2002 designed to coincide with the last year of the New Long-Term Program

• Clear specification of concrete policy goals by setting numerical targets

• The Plan is determined by the Headquarters for Promoting the Welfare of Disabled Persons, and incorporates policies from related ministries and agencies.

Note: The New Long-Term Program for Government Measures for Disabled Persons has been determined by the Headquarters for Promoting the Welfare of Disabled Persons for the term of 1993 to 2002.

[Framework of the Action Plan]

Based on the philosophy of rehabilitation and normalization, the plan will advance policies in line with the following seven viewpoints.

(1) Living in Communities as Ordinary Citizens

The establishment of a system in which housing, places for work, activity and necessary health and welfare services can be provided for persons with disabilities, so that they can have community lives as members of society.

• The securing of housing (public rental housing, group homes, etc.) and places for work (sheltered workshops, etc.)
• The establishment of a care and nurturing system for children with disabilities in communities
• The realization of social rehabilitation and welfare policies for persons with mental disabilities
• The improving of care services (home helpers, residential facilities, etc.)
• The encouragement of participation in community life through support in transportation and communication
• The providing of care services for those with incurable diseases, etc.

(2) Promoting the Independence of Persons with Disabilities

The advancement of policies for: the establishment of a multifaceted educational system equipped to handle the various disabilities; enabling persons with disabilities to find employment which fits their aptitudes and abilities as much as possible; and participation in society through their occupations.

• The realization of adequate education at each stage
• The advancement of all sorts of employment measures in order to achieve the legally required rate of employment of persons with physical disabilities
• The encouragement of establishing of businesses employing persons with severe disabilities by joint contribution of local public bodies and private sector corporations, through the "Third Sector Method", etc.

(3) Promoting a Barrier-Free Society

Active efforts toward eliminating physical barriers in the living environment (barriers related to roads, stations, buildings, etc.), in order to expand the areas of activity for persons with disabilities and to create a society in which they may participate freely.

• The construction of wide sidewalks on which wheelchair users can pass each other
• The advancement of barrier-free public transportation terminals
• The consideration of persons with disabilities at rest areas along expressways and "michi-no-eki "*
• The advancement of barrier-free private buildings which are frequently used by the public, government facilities, etc.

* "Michi-no-eki "are special rest areas on general roads where travelers can stop and visit stores showcasing local commercial products, consult tourist information centers, and enjoy other such auxiliary facilities sponsored by the local city, town or village.

(4) Targeting Quality of Life
To Further the development and distribution of assistive devices, information processing equipment, etc., which make use of advanced technologies, in order to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities through fostering self-expression and participation in society in such forms as communication and cultural activities

• The establishment of a research and development system of assistive devices
• Research and development, and dissemination of telecommunication equipment, etc.
• The improvement of information and broadcasting services, and the promotion of sports, recreation, etc.

(5) Assuring Safety Livelihoods
Promotion of crime and disaster prevention networks and emergency reporting systems in communities, and the creation of the groundwork for preventing disasters, in order to protect persons with disabilities, who are generally more susceptible to crime and disaster

• Promotion of the establishment of koban (police box) where police officers capable of sign language, wearing sign language badges, are stationed
• Establishment of "Fax 110" for accepting emergency messages by facsimile
• Preparation and dissemination of a support manual for persons with disabilities, to use in the event of a disaster, etc.

(6) Removing Psychological Barriers
Increasing the understanding of the people regarding disabilities through public awareness activities, including exchanges between persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities through volunteer activities, etc.

• Advancement of exchanges in education
• Promotion of volunteer activities
• Correcting social misconceptions and prejudices concerning persons with mental disabilities, etc.

(7) Promoting Suitable International Cooperation and Exchanges
Japan will promote efforts to transfer the know-how from Japan's past and present policies, provide economic assistance to promote such policies, and further international friendship among persons with disabilities and those engaged in welfare programs.

• Encouraging special attention to persons with disabilities in Official Development Assistance(ODA) programs and promoting international cooperation in this area.

For implementing this Plan, support should be offered to local public entities based on their efforts, considering the particular characteristics of the locality.

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The Government for 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