Disability Awareness Week is a week to deepen understanding and empathy for people with disabilities.

2024/07/23

'Disability Week'This is a period from December 3 to December 9 each year when national and local governments primarily engage in various activities to raise awareness towards disability welfare.

Many people may hear the term Disability Week for the first time. In fact,Currently, the recognition rate of Disability Week is only about 30%.However, in the present situation where the revision of the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities mandates the provision of reasonable accommodations,Disability Week isbecoming increasingly important as a valuable week for companies to deepen their understanding and empathy towards disabilities in order to implement reasonable accommodations.

This article will provide an explanation of Disability Week along with the events held by government agencies during Disability Week and examples of what companies are actually doing.

Disability Week is a period to deepen understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities.

According to the Cabinet Office, the following is stated about Disability Week.

Originally, December 9, the day the 'Declaration of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, was designated as 'Disability Day'. However, as a replacement for this,the promotion of understanding towards persons with disabilities and opportunities for more active participation in society, economy, and culture.Thus, the week starting from December 3rd, which is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, until December 9th is designated as 'Disability Week', during which various events and initiatives are carried out by the government, local authorities, related organizations, and companies to raise awareness about disabilities.

What was originally just 'Disability Day' for one day has been expanded to 'Disability Week' lasting one week, allowing fora multifaceted approach to issues and challenges related to disabilities through various events and programs held during this period, increasing opportunities for more people to recognize and take an interest in these matters.This is expected.

Especially in recent times, where promoting diversity and the SDGs has become an international common challenge, both companies and individuals in Japan must deepen their understanding and empathy towards disabilities and advance the provision of reasonable accommodations. Disability Week features various experiences and lectures, thusIt is an important period to hear the real voices of persons with disabilities and to understand the realities of society.That's right.

Related Events by Government Agencies during Disability Week

During Disability Week, various events are held nationwide. The table below shows the accomplishments of government agencies for the year 2023 (Reiwa 5).Extracted excerpts for both the government and local authorities.It has been done.

◆ List of government-hosted events for FY 2023 (partial)

Government Ministries	Event Name	Event Details
Cabinet Office	'Disability Week' Workshop	Various workshops that focus on understanding the characteristics of disabilities through experiences centered around parasports will be held in collaboration with various organizations. Participation is free.
	'Disability Week' Online Seminar	To promote understanding about disabilities and individuals with disabilities, seminars appropriate to the purpose of Disability Week will be held in collaboration with various organizations through online broadcasting, available for anyone to view for free.
Ministry of Justice	Boccia Experience / White Cane Experience Class	Conducting experiences of disability sports (Boccia) and experiences with eye masks and white canes.
Financial Services Agency	Web Accessibility Workshop in Financial Services	In response to the mandatory provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities from April 2024, we aim to promote accessibility throughout society and will hold a workshop aimed at understanding the principles of web accessibility, particularly in financial services.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs	Universal Sports Festival 2023	Universal sports are sports where everyone can participate equally, regardless of age, gender, or disability. This festival allows all participants to enjoy 'universal sports' fun while contributing to building an inclusive community. (Events include: balloon volleyball, ping pong volleyball, boccia)
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology	FY2023 Understanding and Awareness Seminars on the Act on Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Basic / Practical)	With the implementation of the 'Revised Disabled Discrimination Elimination Act' on April 1, 2024, the provision of reasonable accommodations becomes a legal obligation for private businesses. This seminar aims to deepen understanding of the provision of reasonable accommodations in higher education institutions to enhance support for students with disabilities. The foundational part of this seminar will focus on understanding and raising awareness of basic matters related to the Disabled Discrimination Elimination Act. In the practical section, based on the foundational contents, face-to-face seminars centered around group discussions on cases of conflict prevention and resolution will be conducted for approximately 50 staff members of vocational schools, universities, junior colleges, and technical colleges.
Agency for Cultural Affairs	'CONNECT⇄ - A World Connected Through Art'	Through art, this project involves both people with and without disabilities thinking together, discussing, and practicing about diversity and coexistence in society. In line with 'Disability Week', various cultural and arts programs are being carried out at six cultural facilities within Okazaki Park in Kyoto, including the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare	FY 2023 Disability Week Commemorative Project	Award certificates of appreciation to those who have continued volunteer activities for many years and publicly announce them online.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	Agricultural and Welfare Cooperation Forum	Concerning agricultural and welfare cooperation aimed at creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, forums will be held in eight cities nationwide, featuring lectures and panel discussions by regional initiative operators to learn about the appeal of regional resource utilization in agricultural and welfare cooperation.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry	Employment experience for students at supportive schools (Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.)	Students from support schools are accepted into the field departments, providing them with opportunities to experience jobs that they would do if they were employed by a company and learn the skills and knowledge required for work.
Small and Medium Enterprise Agency	22nd National Exchange Conference on Disability Issues in Aichi	1) Learning about practices of management that allow people to thrive, aiming for a coexistence society where happiness is visible. ② Deepen interest in issues related to individuals with disabilities and employment of people with disabilities. Expand the circle of initiatives for disability issues through mutual aid associations across the country.

Source:Reiwa 5 'Disability Week' (Cabinet Office)、Reiwa 5 'Disability Week' Related Events (Planned) [Events Organized by Related Agencies/Organizations]

The government, in this manner, conducts various events across different ministries, with the cooperation of private enterprises. Particularly in 2023,Following the enactment of the revised Disabled Discrimination Elimination Act in April 2024, there will be related seminars and study sessions in anticipation of the mandatory provision of reasonable accommodations by companies.There were also.

The following is a partial list of events by local governments.

◆ List of Events Hosted by Local Governments for Reiwa 5 (Part)

Prefectures and Designated Cities	Event Name	Event Details
Miyagi Prefecture	'National Calligraphy and Photography Contest by People with Disabilities' Miyagi Prefecture Tournament	As part of promoting cultural and artistic activities for individuals with disabilities and raising awareness during Disability Week, the Miyagi Prefectural Qualifying Round of the 'National Calligraphy and Photography Contest by Persons with Disabilities' organized by the Japan Association for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities will also be held.
Akita Prefecture	23rd Heartfelt Arts and Culture Festival	Hosting of the Disabled Arts Welfare Exhibition (exhibition and award of works such as paintings and crafts. After the event, online publication of works and exhibition of award-winning pieces at the prefectural office), lively market (sales of products made by facilities for people with disabilities), performance stage (individuals or groups with disabilities showcase music or dance), and hosting of lectures and experience sessions related to disabilities.
Yamagata Prefecture	Discussion meeting between the prefectural governor and representatives of persons with disabilities.	Holding a discussion to help the prefectural governor understand the living conditions and challenges faced by people with disabilities and to reflect this understanding in the prefectural disabilities welfare administration.
Fukushima Prefecture	71st Fukushima Prefecture Welfare Conference for Physically Disabled Persons	Part 1: Lecture Part 2: Ceremony (Awarding of the President of the Fukushima Prefecture Welfare Association for Physically Disabled Persons, presentations of certificates of appreciation, declaration of the conference, and resolutions of the conference)
Sapporo City	Our Fes‼ SAPPORO2023, Let's meet at Kanamoto Hall this year!	Cultural and artistic stage presentations and lectures presented by individuals with disabilities.
Sendai City	Concerts (Miyagino, Wakabayashi, Taihaku), Let's make cloisonné (Miyagino), Calligraphy class (Wakabayashi), Let's make puppet dolls (Taihaku)	Performances by individuals with disabilities, events to promote understanding of disabilities.
Chiba Prefecture	55th Chiba Prefecture Welfare Conference for Physically Disabled Persons	The Governor’s Award for Contributions to Social Welfare Programs in Chiba Prefecture, awards from the President of the Chiba Prefecture Welfare Association for Physically Disabled Persons, and certificates of appreciation for outstanding works in experience writing and Disability Week posters.
Tokyo Metropolis	Disability Week public awareness initiatives and special consultation projects for disability laws and welfare.	Posters were created from the designs submitted to the Tokyo Disabled Art Exhibition (4,960 posters), and slogans were solicited and displayed in public transport agencies and elementary and middle schools. Legal consultations are handled by lawyers and can be accessed via phone.
Yokohama City	Let's create a society where everyone can live together.	Special lecture for Disability Week (Speaker: Noriko Yamane) and Le Frere Piano Duet Concert.
Yamanashi Prefecture	34th Disability Advocacy Conference	To deepen understanding of 'disability' and 'persons with disabilities', individuals with disabilities will share their thoughts on daily life (the event will be live-streamed online).
Shizuoka City	Distribution of promotional items (tissues, files).	Awareness initiatives for the general public, distributing 500 tissues and 200 files
Fukui Prefecture	24th Fukui Prefecture Heartful Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities	1) Exhibition ② Stage Presentation ③ Sales corner (selling breads and handicrafts produced by disability organizations, facilities, special support schools, etc.) Aimed to create meaning and confidence through cultural and artistic activities for people with disabilities, while promoting social participation and deepening the community's understanding and awareness about disabilities.
Gifu Prefecture	Street awareness related to Disability Week	In line with the 'Gifu Prefecture Regulation for the Creation of a Clear Stream Country where Persons with and without Disabilities Live Together', street awareness campaigns are being conducted across the prefecture during Disability Week (December 3-9) to deepen public understanding of people with disabilities.
Mie Prefecture	Reiwa 5 Mie Prefecture Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities	Promote the social participation of persons with disabilities through arts and culture activities and create opportunities for expression and performance. Exhibition of works: paintings, photographs, calligraphy, pottery, crafts, collage, CG, haiku, and stage presentations such as music (singing, instruments), theater, and dance.
Nagoya City	Gathering in celebration of Disability Week	Screening of the movie 'My Partner Has Depression' (with subtitles and scene voice) and a lecture by scriptwriter Takeshi Aoshima.
Shiga Prefecture	Disability Week Awareness and Promotion Project [Street Awareness]	Street awareness through pocket tissues and banners promoting 'Disability Week' and 'Shiga Prefecture's Ordinance for a Non-discriminatory Coexistence Society'.
Kyoto Prefecture	24th Kyoto Prefecture Gathering for Persons with Disabilities	Every year, people with disabilities and stakeholders gather in Kyoto to promote their independence and social participation, and to advance disability welfare, while deepening understanding of disability among citizens. The event aims to strengthen awareness of 'Disability Week' activities throughout the region and includes awards from the President of the Prefectural Welfare Association for Disabled Persons and stage presentations of experiences and dances. Approximately 400 participants.
Hyogo Prefecture	Disability Festival	Events such as stages for Yosakoi and other performances to promote understanding towards persons with disabilities.
Osaka City	Osaka City Street Caravan	1) After a courtesy visit to Osaka City Hall, the campaign vehicle will tour various places in the city to promote Disability Week. ② Distributing awareness goods at major locations within the city and calling on citizens to understand disabilities in the streets.
Kobe City	70th Anniversary of the Kobe City Physically Disabled Persons Welfare Conference	Individuals with disabilities in the city gather to advocate for the enhancement of welfare. Additionally, a commemorative conference with a lecture will be held.
Tottori Prefecture	63rd Tottori Prefecture Welfare Conference for Physically Disabled Persons	Ceremony, prefectural president awards, lectures, proceedings
Tokushima Prefecture	42nd Tokushima Prefecture Welfare Conference for Physically Disabled Persons	This conference aims to realize 'Universal Tokushima', where everyone can live comfortably in their familiar local communities regardless of disability type or status, and holds an award ceremony to honor those who have contributed to the welfare of persons with physical disabilities.
Fukuoka Prefecture	Fukuoka Prefecture Disability Week Awareness Project	To increase awareness of Disability Week aimed at deepening interest and understanding about the welfare of people with disabilities, and to enhance their motivation to actively participate in social, economic, cultural, and other fields, initiatives will be carried out to promote mutual exchange between those with and without disabilities and deepen the understanding and recognition of disability welfare among the residents.
Nagasaki Prefecture	Request activities to the mayors in the prefecture	Submitting requests to the mayors in the prefecture.
Miyazaki Prefecture	2023 'Heart' Interaction Festival, Disability Week Awareness Activities	(Festival) Lectures, stage presentations by individuals with disabilities, an award ceremony for Disability Week essays and posters, distribution of promotional flyers and items, and works produced by disability welfare facilities (awareness activities).
Okinawa Prefecture	56th Okinawa Prefecture Welfare Conference for Physically Disabled Persons	Individuals with physical disabilities and related stakeholders gather to discuss the improvement of measures related to physically disabled persons and to promote specific policies for those with disabilities.
Kitakyushu City	16th Kitakyushu City Disability Arts Festival Exhibition	Under the theme 'Joy Day', excellent works of painting, calligraphy, photography, crafts, and handmade items are displayed throughout the venue.
Fukuoka City	FY 2023 Gathering Commemorating Disability Week	On stage, there will be guest live shows and talk relay by advocacy groups. There will also be consultation corners and awareness activities.

Source:Social Welfare Corporation Japan Association of Physically Disabled Persons

In this way, various events and activities are held in each prefecture and city. The content mentioned above is just a part of it.The source provides many other events not mentioned here, so please have a look.。

Additionally, the government annually solicits 'Experience Essays that Expand the Circle of the Heart' and 'Posters for Disability Week' ahead of Disability Week. Winning works are featured in collections, on the Cabinet Office website, and in the Disability White Paper, contributing to nationwide awareness campaigns.

◆ Reiwa 5 'Disability Week' Publicity Poster

Source:Disability Week / 'Disability Week' Publicity Poster (Cabinet Office)

Next, we will introduce examples of company initiatives.

5 Examples of Corporate Initiatives during Disability Week

In the previous section, we discussed the efforts of national government agencies. Here, we introduce five examples of initiatives undertaken by private companies during Disability Week.

Example 1: Sanseido Co., Ltd.: Held a book fair featuring related literature.

At Sanseido Co., Ltd., several stores in Hokkaido (Sapporo Store, Rumoi Book Center, Hakodate Branch Kawanaka Store) are working onHolding a 'Book Fair for Promoting Understanding of Disabilities' during the annual Disability Week period.creating a special corner in their stores featuring books that deepen understanding of disability welfare.

The collection includes a wide range of genres, from specialized books to personal accounts and comics.Opportunities to deepen understanding of disabilities among a wide range of age groupsis being developed.

Reference: Disability Understanding Promotion Book Fair (Hokkaido Official Website)

Example 2: Indeed Japan Co., Ltd.: Launched a special website to support the employment of people with disabilities.

The job search engine 'Indeed' has originally supported the promotion of employment for people with disabilities and has implemented various initiatives. The company,In the United States' Disability Equality Index, Sanseido achieved the highest score of 100% for three consecutive years.Are being made.

Indeed Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Indeed, launched a special page on its information dissemination site '/LEAD' to support companies in their initiatives for employing individuals with disabilities in line with Disability Week in 2022.They share information that supports the employment of people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent.Their information serves as a valuable resource for corporate officers considering hiring individuals with disabilities.

Reference: [Feature] Understanding Disability Employment and Promoting Diversity. What can companies do now? (/LEAD)

Example ③ Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.: Promoting mutual understanding within the company.

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. focuses on promoting an environment where diverse individuals can succeed through D&I (Diversity and Inclusion).Regular e-learning for employees and bottom-up initiatives by volunteer employees are being conducted.

During Disability Week,基础 knowledge seminars about disabilities and seminars by athletes will be held, along with displaying messages from individuals with disabilities and supporters in a karuta format at all business locations, as well as publishing interview videos of employees with disabilities.Fostering mutual understanding among employees and creating a comfortable working environment.

While not specifically aligned with Disability Week, one of their unique initiatives includes the packaging of Meiji's winter product 'Meltykiss'.Improved so that people with color blindness can easily understand the flavor by looking at the packaging design.Companies are showing a proactive stance towards barrier-free initiatives.

Reference: Promotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.)

Example 4: Tokyo Bar Association: Provided free consultations.

During Disability Week, the Tokyo Bar Association offers free consultations from lawyers for people with disabilities, their families, and supporters on specified dates.'Disability Rights Hotline 110'is being implemented.

'My child with a disability may be experiencing abuse at the facility.'
'I was refused accommodations for my disability in the workplace.'

and so on,They handle issues regarding facilities, workplaces, welfare systems, human rights, etc.Consultations are easily available via phone or fax.

Reference: 'Disability Rights Hotline 110' (Tokyo Bar Association)

Example 5: NTTLS Co., Ltd.: Conducted a VR simulation experience of visual impairments.

NTT Learning System Corporation, which plans and produces employee training and educational materials for NTT Group companies, has partnered with Mirairo Inc., which operates services for supporting people with disabilities, toAn event to experience the sensations of various visual impairments and characteristics using VRwas held in 2020, including a workshop discussing 'What accommodations can able-bodied people provide?'.

Through a VR simulation experience,participants learn how normal views appear for conditions such as tunnel vision (restricted field of view), color blindness, and brightness perception.This allows team members working with people with disabilities to experience the perspective of visually impaired individuals in advance, prompting them to consider what specific accommodations should be made.

Reference: NTTLS will hold an event on December 4th where various visual disabilities can be experienced through VR (ICT Educational News).

Currently, the recognition of Disability Week is low.

As introduced so far, various initiatives are being conducted during Disability Week across the nation, but on the other hand,Public awareness of Disability Week has not increased.This is the current situation. Data regarding this situation has been cited from Cabinet Office materials, please refer below.

◆ Recognition Rate of Disability Week

In the awareness surveys conducted in 2007, 2012, and 2017,Over 70% of people are unaware of Disability Week.the recognition rate was low, and there has not been significant change.

So, how is the situation in recent years?

◆ Recognition Rate of Disability Week as of November 2022

While awareness has slightly increased, approximately 70% of people remain unaware, showing that recognition has not significantly risen. It is somewhat known among the elderly, butyoung to middle-aged individuals in their teens to 40s are largely unaware.You will understand that.

Additionally, how people have learned about Disability Week is shown in the graph below.

◆ How did you learn about Disability Week?

It is clear that there is an overwhelmingly high proportion of media like television, radio, and newspapers. Considering this data,Considering the recent decline of young people's engagement with the four major mass media, it will be difficult for awareness of Disability Week to significantly increase under the current circumstances.Indeed, information gathering for young to middle-aged individuals is now centered on the web. The government and local authorities should,I believe that actively using social media platforms such as YouTube, X, and LINE should be emphasized for raising awareness online.I believe that.

Source of graph:Overview of the 'Public Opinion Survey on Disabilities' (Reported in February 2023 / Cabinet Office Government Public Relations Office)

Conclusion

With the amendment of the Act on Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations becomes a legal obligation for private enterprises starting April 2024.All companies are required to ensure correct understanding of disabilities and provide accommodations for seamless social participation.However, many companies may be in a situation where they do not have knowledge and do not know what they should do. Such companies may,First, it is essential to listen to the voices of the individuals involved and understand the current situation..

Disability Week is a valuable week to listen to the real voices of individuals with disabilities and those with diverse perspectives, promoting understanding and reflecting on what is needed and how to provide accommodations.

Unfortunately, recognition is still lacking, but in today's society where diversity is demanded, such opportunities are expected to increase in demand.Both companies and individuals should actively raise awareness and engage in more robust initiatives.That's right.

Our company provides a web accessibility tool, 'Uniweb', which enables the easy implementation of 'website accessibility compliance', an essential aspect of providing reasonable accommodations for companies. The need for web accessibility is emphasized in workshops and seminars held during Disability Week, so if you are considering this, please feel free to contact us.