Japan - Basic Act Disabilities

Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities in Japan – Simplified Explanation

What Is This Law About?

The Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities is a Japanese law that ensures people with disabilities have equal opportunities and can participate fully in society. It promotes their rights, independence, and social inclusion by removing barriers in daily life, employment, education, and public services.

Key Provisions of the Law

  1. Equal Opportunities – The law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else and are not discriminated against.
  2. Accessibility– Public facilities, transportation, and information (like websites and documents) should be accessible to people with disabilities.
  3. Support for Independence – The government must provide necessary support, such as healthcare, education, and job training, to help people with disabilities live independently.
  4. Public Awareness – Efforts must be made to educate society about disabilities to reduce prejudice and promote inclusion.
  5. Government Responsibility – National and local governments must create policies and programs to uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

Important Dates

  • The law was enacted in 1970 and has been revised to strengthen protections.
  • The latest major revision was in 2011, expanding support and accessibility requirements.

Based on the Official Document

This explanation is a simplified summary of the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities in Japan. For the full legal text, refer to the official document here:
https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3540