Universal Fashion: The Secret of Barrier-Free Clothing for Everyone

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Design Quiz

Are you ready for a quiz? Here we go!

Universal fashion buttons have a special design that makes them easy to grasp and put through buttonholes. What shape is this button often compared to?

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The answer is… a “seesaw”!

Explanation

Image source: Referenced website

Have you heard of “universal fashion”? It’s fashion that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or physical condition.

In Japan, one example of universal fashion is the seesaw-shaped button. Why is it shaped like a seesaw?

This shape has a special design. When you press the gripping part, the tip of the button rises up. This makes it naturally slide into the buttonhole. Thanks to this design, anyone can easily fasten buttons, regardless of age or hand condition.

This seesaw-shaped button is truly a wonderful invention. Buttoning, which we usually do without thinking, can be a difficult task for elderly people or those with disabilities who have weak fingertips. But with this kind of innovation, we can help reduce these difficulties.

Universal Design Around the World

The concept of universal design is spreading worldwide. In countries like the United States and in Europe, there are active movements to create products and services that everyone can use easily.

For example, in the United States, there’s a law called the “Americans with Disabilities Act” which requires public places and products to be usable by people with disabilities. In Europe, there’s the “European Accessibility Act” which works to improve the accessibility of products and services.

What About Your Country?

So, what about your country?

1. Have you seen any barrier-free (accessible) design features in schools or public places?
2. Have you seen clothes or shoes designed to be easy to use for people with disabilities or elderly people?

Try discussing these questions with your family or teachers. You might make some new discoveries!

What We Can Do to Create a Barrier-Free (Accessible) Society

Here are some things you can do to help create a barrier-free (accessible) society:

1. Be considerate of others: If you see someone having trouble, try offering help.
2. Take care of barrier-free (accessible) facilities: Use public barrier-free (accessible) facilities correctly.
3. Understand and respect differences: Understand that everyone is different and respect each other.
4. Share your ideas: If you think “it would be convenient if we had this,” try talking about it with people around you.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Design Explorers

We’ve learned about universal fashion today. There must be barrier-free (accessible) design features hidden in your town too! For example, clothes, shoes, or accessories in stores might have innovations like the seesaw-shaped button. When you’re walking around town or going shopping, try observing closely. You’re sure to make new discoveries!

The more you learn about barrier-free (accessible) design, the more you’ll feel that a society where everyone can live comfortably is wonderful. Let’s continue learning about barrier-free (accessible) design together!

Important Note

This article is based on Japanese experiences and perspectives. Barrier-free (accessible) design approaches and ideas might 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 article is not meant to impose Japanese ideas on you. Always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults.

Also, this article simplifies explanations to generate interest in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than providing strictly accurate information. For accurate information, please check the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in other countries.

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Note: I’m not very good at English, so please use simple and short English when contacting me.