Hello, elementary school students around the world! I teach barrier-free design to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free design in Japan with all of you overseas. Let’s use this information about barrier-free design in Japan as a starting point to think about barrier-free design in your own country!
Barrier-Free Quiz
Question: There are notebooks that reduce [ ] for people with visual hypersensitivity. What word fits in the blank?
Answer: Reflection
Quiz Explanation
People with visual hypersensitivity are especially sensitive to light. Regular white paper notebooks reflect a lot of light, which can cause eye strain and discomfort for these individuals.
To address this, a Japanese company has created special notebooks with paper in green, purple, and yellow colors to reduce light reflection. This allows people with visual hypersensitivity to study more comfortably.
This kind of thoughtful design is one form of barrier-free accommodation. It shows how even small changes can greatly improve someone’s daily life.

What is Barrier-Free Design?
Have you heard of “barrier-free” before? It’s about creating an environment that’s easy for everyone to use and live in.
For example, have you heard the term “visual hypersensitivity”? This refers to a condition where eyes are especially sensitive to light and colors. People with visual hypersensitivity might find normal brightness too dazzling or their eyes might get tired easily.
The Importance of Barrier-Free Design
Through this quiz, you’ve learned how important barrier-free design is. The notebook for people with visual hypersensitivity might seem like a small adjustment, but this small change greatly expands someone’s opportunity to learn.
Barrier-free design is essential for creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities. It’s important to notice and remove not just visible barriers, but invisible ones too.
Barrier-Free Design Around the World
Countries all over the world are working to create environments that are easy for everyone to use. For example, there’s an agreement called the “United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. This is a promise to create a society where people with and without disabilities can live in the same way.
Many countries are participating in this promise and are making efforts to make schools and public places barrier-free. For instance, in many countries in America and Europe, it’s often required by law to include barrier-free designs when constructing buildings.
What You Can Do
There are many things you can do to contribute to creating a barrier-free society:
- Notice and understand the diversity of people around you
- Offer help or speak to someone who seems to be having trouble
- Use barrier-free facilities with care
- Discuss barrier-free design with your family and friends
Just by keeping these things in mind, you can help make the world around you a kinder place.
Barrier-Free Explorer Team
Now, there must be many barrier-free designs in your town too. Try to find eye-friendly notebooks like the ones we learned about in this quiz at your school or stationery store.
You might also find facilities for wheelchair users or visually impaired people at stations, stores, or parks. When you walk around town, try to observe what kind of barrier-free designs there are. You’re sure to discover kindness that you hadn’t noticed before.
Finally, I have an important request for all of you.
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free initiatives 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 that’s easy for everyone to live in while respecting our differences. This is not meant to force Japanese ideas or my personal views. Also, always prioritize safety and make sure to act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.
Also, the main purpose of this article is to generate interest in barrier-free design rather than to provide accurate 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: I am not proficient in English, so please use simple and short English sentences when contacting me.
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