Hello, elementary school students from all over the world! I teach barrier-free concepts and classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free situations in Japan with you all. Let’s use this information about barrier-free ideas in Japan as a starting point to think about barrier-free concepts in your own country!
What is Barrier-Free?
Have you heard of the term “barrier-free” before? Simply put, it’s about making things easier for elderly people and those with disabilities to live their daily lives without difficulties. Today, we’re going to talk about something you use every day – pet bottles (or plastic bottles)!
Let’s Try a Quiz!
Q: What kind of people might have trouble using pet bottles? And what magic tool helps solve this problem?
Hint: Think about people who might have trouble moving their hands and fingers freely or those who don’t have much strength in their hands.
A: People who have difficulty using their hands or lack strength might struggle to open pet bottle caps. The magic tool that solves this problem is a “Pet Bottle Opener”!
Quiz Explanation
The correct answer is a “Pet Bottle Opener”! This tool makes it easy for people who have trouble using their hands to open pet bottle caps. Amazing, right?
In Japan, we have a tool called the “Easy-to-Use Pet Bottle & Can Opener.” This tool can open not just pet bottle caps but also can tabs. It’s designed for everyone to use easily – from elderly people to small children, people with long nails or weak grip strength.
Barrier-Free Around the World
Countries all over the world are working hard to create tools and services that everyone can use easily. For example, the United Nations has an agreement called the “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” which aims to create a society where people with and without disabilities can live equally.
In countries like the United States and in Europe, there are often laws that require public places to be barrier-free. For example, they might install toilets that people in wheelchairs can use, or add voice guidance for people who can’t see well.
How About Your Country?
Now, let’s think about your country:
- Have you seen useful tools like pet bottle openers?
- Can you find barrier-free features in your schools, parks, or stores?
- Have you seen people in wheelchairs or those with visual impairments having difficulties?
Try discussing these questions with your family or teachers.
What You Can Do
Creating a barrier-free society isn’t just a job for adults. There’s a lot you can do too:
- If you see someone having trouble, try to offer help kindly.
- Use barrier-free facilities and tools carefully.
- Talk about barrier-free ideas with your friends and family.
- Try to come up with your own new barrier-free ideas!
Barrier-Free Exploration Team
Now, let’s explore your town! Look for useful tools like pet bottle openers in shops or restaurants. You might also find other barrier-free facilities like ramps for wheelchair users or tactile paving for visually impaired people. Exploring barrier-free features in your town can be a very interesting adventure!
Finally, I have an important request for all of you.
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free approaches and concepts might be different in other 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 force Japanese ideas on anyone. Also, always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.
Also, this article aims to generate interest in barrier-free concepts rather than provide perfectly accurate information. For accurate information, please check the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in your country.
For inquiries → https://lahainars.com/contact/
Note: As I’m not very good at English, please send inquiries in simple and short English.
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