Hello, elementary school students around the world! I teach barrier-free classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free efforts in Japan with all of you overseas. Let’s use this information about Japan’s barrier-free situation as a starting point to think about barrier-free design in your own country!
Recently, a new walking training robot was developed in Japan. This robot is a wonderful invention that helps people who have difficulty walking. Today, we’ll learn about this robot and think about creating a barrier-free society.
Barrier-Free Quiz
Let’s start with a quiz!
Question: When using a walking training robot, what becomes unnecessary for the user’s training?
Think about it for a moment. I’ll give you the answer later.
Quiz Answer and Explanation
Answer: Specialized staff
The walking training robot is a special machine that helps elderly people and those who have difficulty walking practice safely. With this robot, everyone can practice in a way that suits them without needing a teacher (specialized staff) with difficult knowledge.
The robot supports walking practice safely and enjoyably by playing music and giving voice instructions. It’s like practicing while playing a game!
For more details, please check the manufacturer’s website. It’s explained very clearly there.
https://tech.panasonic.com/jp/walk_training/
Barrier-Free Around the World
Countries all over the world are working hard to create societies that are easy for everyone to use. For example, at the United Nations, where countries from all over the world gather, they have made a promise (convention) to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
In America and European countries, the concept of barrier-free design is also valued. When building structures and roads, they make them accessible for wheelchair users and provide audio guidance for visually impaired people.
How About Your Country?
Now, how about in your country?
- Are there ramps for wheelchair access in schools and public buildings?
- Are there special seats for the elderly and people with disabilities on buses and trains?
- Are there special blocks (tactile paving) on the roads for visually impaired people?
Talk with your family and teachers about barrier-free design in your own town.
What We Can Do
Creating a barrier-free society is everyone’s job. There are many things that elementary school students like you can do:
- Be considerate of others: If you see an elderly person or someone with a disability, try asking, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
- Use barrier-free facilities with care: Use elevators and handrails carefully. These are for people who need them.
- Keep learning about barrier-free design: Share what you learned today with your friends and family.
Barrier-Free Exploration Team
Now, there might be walking training robots in your town too. Have you seen any at nearby welfare facilities or hospitals? If you find one, quietly observe how it’s being used.
Also, try to find barrier-free facilities in your town. You should be able to find various innovations like ramps, tactile paving, and traffic signals with sound. Think about who these facilities are for and how they are helping people.
Your “awareness” is the first step in creating a society that’s kind to everyone. Let’s start our barrier-free exploration team!
Finally, I have an important request for all of you.
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free efforts and concepts may differ depending on the country and culture. Please discuss with your family and teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about a world where everyone can live comfortably while respecting our differences. This is not meant to force Japanese ideas or my thoughts on you. Also, please always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.
Also, this article aims to generate interest in barrier-free design rather than provide precise information, so the standards are described broadly. For accurate information, please check the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in other countries.
For inquiries → https://lahainars.com/contact/
Note: As I am not proficient in English, please inquire with simple and short English sentences.
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