Let’s Discover the Secret of Barrier-Free Thermometers!

Barrier-Free Quiz

It’s quiz time! Think carefully before you answer.

Barrier-free thermometers are easy for anyone to use. Why is that?

1. Because the thermometer moves automatically
2. Because the tip is flat
3. Because the thermometer talks to you

Which do you think it is? Let’s think about it!

Answer and Explanation

The correct answer is… B) Because the tip is flat!

The big feature of barrier-free thermometers is that the tip (the part that senses temperature) is flat. This flat shape has a very important role:

1. It doesn’t move easily: The flat shape makes it hard for the thermometer to move around under your arm.
2. It’s accurate: Because it doesn’t move much, it can measure your temperature more accurately.
3. It’s easy for everyone to use: Including elderly people and people with disabilities, anyone can use it easily.

There are other clever designs too, like a big screen that’s easy to read, buttons that are easy to press, and a buzzer that sounds when the measurement is finished.

The Importance of Barrier-Free Design

When we look at barrier-free thermometers, we can see how important barrier-free design is. With just a few clever changes, many more people can use things easily. This isn’t just true for thermometers, but for many things around us.

What You Can Do

There are many things you can do to help create a barrier-free society:

1. Be considerate of the people around you
2. Use barrier-free facilities carefully
3. If you see someone having trouble, try talking to them
4. Learn more about barrier-free design

Barrier-Free Exploration Team

Now, there might be barrier-free thermometers in your town too. Try looking for them in pharmacies or hospitals. If you find one, observe what clever designs it has:

• Is the tip flat?
• Is the display big and easy to read?
• Does it look easy to use?

Try observing from different points of view.

Also, try to find other barrier-free products. What clever designs do they have? Find the barrier-free designs around you and really feel how important they are.

Important Note

Finally, I have an important request for all of you.

This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. The approach to barrier-free design and the way people think about it might be different in different countries and cultures. Talk with your family or teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about how to create a world where everyone can live comfortably while respecting our differences. This article is not meant to force Japanese ideas or my personal views on anyone. Also, always prioritize safety and make sure to act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.

Also, the main goal of this article is to get you interested in barrier-free design rather than to provide completely accurate information, so some details might be simplified. For accurate information, please check the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in your country.