The Secret of Easy-to-Use Hallways! Take the Barrier-Free Quiz

Hello, students from all around the world! I teach barrier-free (accessible) classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free (accessible) design in Japan with you. I hope this information about Japan’s barrier-free (accessible) practices will inspire you to think about accessibility in your own country!

Today, we’re going to learn about barrier-free (accessible) design in a fun way. Barrier-free (accessible) design means creating an environment where everyone can live safely and comfortably. In this article, we’ll focus on “mobility barriers” and learn through a quiz.

First, let’s talk a bit about mobility barriers. There are people who use wheelchairs, people who use canes, people pushing strollers, and many others who move in different ways. What kind of considerations do we need to make sure these people can move around safely?

Now, let’s move on to the quiz!

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Quiz

In public facilities, the width of main hallways is set to be at least [　　] cm ([ ] inches) to allow wheelchairs to pass safely. Can you guess how wide this is?

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The answer is 120 cm (about 47 inches)!

Explanation

In Japan, the width of main hallways in public facilities is set to be at least 120 cm (about 47 inches). This is to ensure that people using wheelchairs can pass through safely and smoothly. With 120 cm (47 inches), wheelchairs can pass with enough room, and it’s also easier for people to pass each other or turn around.

By setting this standard, not only wheelchair users but also people pushing strollers or pulling suitcases can use the hallways comfortably.

Global Barrier-Free (Accessible) Standards

Many countries around the world recognize the importance of barrier-free (accessible) design. For example, the United Nations’ “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” calls for the removal of physical barriers to ensure equal participation in society for all people.

Countries in America and Europe also have laws and standards to make public places accessible to everyone. They have various initiatives tailored to the specific conditions of each country or region, such as setting hallway widths, eliminating steps, and installing elevators.

Think About Barrier-Free (Accessible) Design in Your Country

Now, how about in your country?

1. Have you seen wide hallways in public facilities in your country that seem easy for wheelchairs to pass through?
2. Can you find barrier-free (accessible) features in schools, libraries, or train stations?
3. If you were to go out with a friend who uses a wheelchair, what places do you think would be easy to visit?

Try discussing these questions with your family, teachers, or friends.

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

1. Be considerate: Pay attention to the people around you, and if you see someone having trouble, try offering help.
2. Use barrier-free (accessible) facilities properly: Make sure elevators and wide hallways are available for those who need them most.
3. Keep learning about barrier-free (accessible) design: Knowing about standards like the one we learned today can help you notice barrier-free (accessible) features in your town.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorer Team

Let’s observe the public facilities in your town! Are the hallways wide enough? Check with your own eyes if wheelchairs and strollers seem easy to pass through. If you notice any concerning areas, it might be a good idea to talk to an adult about it.

Your “observations” might lead to making your town more livable. Let’s work together to create a barrier-free (accessible) society!

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

This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) initiatives and concepts 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 force Japanese ideas on anyone. Also, always prioritize safety and make sure to act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.

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

For inquiries → https://lahainars.com/contact/

Please note that I’m not very good at English, so please send inquiries in simple and short English.