The Secret of Sound-Making Scissors: A Barrier-Free Quiz Challenge!

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Quiz

Are you ready? It’s quiz time!

These barrier-free (accessible) design scissors make a fun sound every time they cut. They are designed to be easy to use even for people with weak grip strength or hand disabilities. They can cut by [　　]. What word goes in the blank?

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The answer is…

“placing and pressing”!

Explanation

Image source: FC Interior website (https://www.fc-interior.com/stationary/30669/)

These barrier-free (accessible) design scissors are unique and very useful! Let’s look at how they differ from regular scissors:

1. Place and press: Unlike regular scissors that you hold in your hand, these scissors can be placed on a table and pressed from above to cut. This makes them easy to use for people with weak grip strength or limited hand mobility.
2. Makes a sound: They make a fun sound every time they cut. This isn’t just for fun – it’s particularly helpful for visually impaired people who can confirm that the cutting action has been completed by hearing the sound.
3. Safety design: The blade part has a cover. This makes it safe for even small children to use.

These scissors are a good example of “Universal Design”. Universal Design refers to products or environments designed to be usable by all people, regardless of age or disability.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Practices Around the World

The concepts of barrier-free (accessible) and universal design are spreading worldwide. For example:

• In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990, promoting accessibility in public places and transportation.
• In Europe, the EU has enacted the European Accessibility Act to promote barrier-free (accessible) products and services.
• The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, which many countries have signed.

These laws and treaties aim to ensure that people with disabilities can participate equally in society. Products like barrier-free (accessible) scissors have been born out of this larger trend.

What You Can Do

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

1. Notice: Pay attention to barrier-free (accessible) facilities and products around you. What kind of designs do you see?
2. Think: Try to imagine “What if I had a disability?” What difficulties might you face?
3. Act: If you see someone in need, try offering help. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
4. Share: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of barrier-free (accessible) design.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorer Team

Now, let’s explore! There must be many barrier-free (accessible) facilities in your town too. Try to find examples of “designs that everyone can use easily” like we learned about today. For example:

• Traffic signals with sound
• Tactile paving (textured ground surface indicators)
• Ramps
• Multi-purpose restrooms

When you find these, think about what special features they have and who they are designed for. You’re sure to make some new discoveries!

Important Note

This article is based on experiences and perspectives from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) practices and ideas may differ between countries and cultures. Please discuss with your family and teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about creating a world that’s comfortable for everyone while respecting our differences. This is not meant to impose Japanese ideas or my personal views. Always prioritize safety and act under the guidance of trusted adults.

Also, this article simplifies explanations to spark 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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As I’m not proficient in English, please use simple and short English sentences when contacting me.