Hello, elementary school students around the world! I teach barrier-free (accessible) design to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free practices in Japan with you. Let’s use this as a starting point to think about accessibility in your own country too!
Have you ever used water fountains at school or in parks? Did you know that these water fountains are often designed to be “barrier-free” (accessible)? Today, I’ve prepared a little quiz about these water fountains. Let’s think about it together!
Barrier-Free Quiz
Here’s the quiz!
In addition to foot-operated water fountains, [______] should be installed.
What word should fill in the blank? Take a moment to think about it.
…
…
…
The correct answer is “hand-operated ones”!
Why Are Hand-Operated Fountains Necessary?
You might be thinking, “Aren’t foot-operated fountains good enough?” Actually, there’s an important reason for this standard.
Foot-operated water fountains are indeed convenient. You can get water without using your hands, which is hygienic and easy to operate. But what about people who have difficulty operating them with their feet?
For example, people who use wheelchairs or have disabilities affecting their legs might find it difficult to use foot-operated water fountains. By installing hand-operated water fountains alongside the foot-operated ones, we create water fountains that everyone can use.
Barrier-Free Design is Amazing!
This is how barrier-free design works – it’s all about creating environments that everyone can use easily. Even something as simple as a water fountain is designed with everyone in mind.
These kinds of thoughtful designs aren’t just for water fountains. They’re all around us! For example, the height of elevator buttons, the slopes on sidewalks, and the entrances to buildings are all designed with barrier-free concepts in mind.
Barrier-Free Design Around the World
The concept of barrier-free design is spreading worldwide. Many countries have laws and regulations to make public spaces usable for everyone. For example, in the United States and many European countries, new buildings and public spaces must be designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.
However, progress varies from country to country. Some are more advanced, while others are just starting. The important thing is that we all work together to make improvements, even if they’re small steps.
What About Your Country?
Now, let’s think about your country:
- What kind of water fountains do you have in schools and parks?
- Can people who use wheelchairs or have difficulty with their legs use them easily?
- If they seem difficult to use, how do you think they could be improved?
Try discussing these questions with your family or teachers. You might make some interesting discoveries!
What We Can Do
We can all contribute to creating a barrier-free society! Here’s how:
- Develop awareness: Pay attention to barrier-free facilities around you.
- Be considerate: If you see someone having difficulty, offer to help.
- Spread knowledge: Share what you’ve learned about barrier-free design with your friends and family.
Let’s Go on a Barrier-Free Adventure!
Why not go on a search for water fountains like the ones we talked about today? Observe the water fountains at your school or in nearby parks. Are there both foot-operated and hand-operated ones? If there are only foot-operated ones, try to think of ideas to make them usable for everyone.
The world of barrier-free design is deep and exciting. Let’s continue to work together to create a society where everyone can live comfortably!
Important Note
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free approaches and concepts may differ between countries and cultures. Please discuss with your family or teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about creating a world where everyone can live comfortably while respecting our differences. This article is not meant to impose Japanese ideas or my personal views. Always prioritize safety and act under the supervision of trusted adults.
Also, this article aims to generate interest in barrier-free design rather than provide strictly accurate information. For accurate information, please check the websites of relevant government agencies in your country.
For inquiries: https://lahainars.com/contact/
Note: As I’m not proficient in English, please use simple and short English sentences for inquiries.
Note: This article has been slightly edited to focus on generating interest in barrier-free design rather than strict accuracy. For accurate information, please check the websites of relevant agencies in your country.
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