Hello, students 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) efforts will inspire you to think about accessibility in your own country!
Quiz
Barrier-free (accessible) toilet paper holders are designed so that you can easily cut the paper with [ ].
Answer: One hand
Image source: Oka Corporation website (https://www.oka-kk.co.jp/item/toiletry_onetouch_wagaya/)
Barrier-free (Accessible) Toilet Paper Holders in Japan
In Japan, barrier-free (accessible) toilet paper holders are becoming more common. These holders are designed so that you can easily cut the paper with just one hand. This design is helpful for many people, including those with hand or arm disabilities, elderly people, and young children.
With these holders, you can pull out the paper and cut it with a light push. Because you don’t need to use both hands, it’s easy for people who can only use one hand or those who have difficulty balancing.
Barrier-free (Accessible) Toilets Around the World
Efforts are being made worldwide to make toilets more user-friendly. Many countries are installing barrier-free (accessible) toilets. These often include features like wide spaces for wheelchairs, handrails, and low sinks.
The design of toilet paper holders also varies from country to country. There are types that can be used with one hand, and others that are placed in easy-to-reach positions. More and more designs are considering the needs of the users.
What About Toilet Paper Holders in Your Country?
What are the toilet paper holders like in your country? Try observing the following:
- What shape is the holder?
- How do you cut the paper?
- Can it be easily used with one hand?
- Is it in a position that’s easy to use for people in wheelchairs or small children?
Talk with your family or teachers about the toilet paper holders in your country. If you think there’s room for improvement, it might be fun to think about what kind of changes could be made.
What We Can Do for a Barrier-free (Accessible) Society
There are many things we can do to create a barrier-free (accessible) society:
- Be considerate of others: If you see someone having trouble, try offering help.
- Use barrier-free (accessible) facilities with care: Let’s take good care of these facilities so everyone can use them easily.
- Share your opinions: If you find something difficult to use, try telling an adult about it.
- Use your imagination: Think about how things could be made easier to use.
Barrier-free (Accessible) Explorer Team
Let’s start our barrier-free (accessible) exploration! Observe the toilet paper holders in your town. Check out different places like your school, library, and stores. What kinds of holders do you see? Are there any that can be used with one hand? What makes some easier to use than others?
Share your findings with your friends and family. By discussing it together, you might make new discoveries!
Important Note
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) efforts and ideas may differ depending on the country and culture. Please discuss with your family or teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about creating a world that’s easy for everyone to live in while respecting our differences. This article is not meant to force Japanese ideas on anyone. Also, please always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults.
This article simplifies explanations to generate interest in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than focusing on 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/
Note: I’m not very good at English, so please use simple and short English sentences when contacting me.
コメント