October 6, 2006 AM :
Lecture on "Present State and issues concerning Barrier-Free Transportation in Japan as of 2006"
by Mr. Yoshiaki IMAFUKU, Transportation Affairs Officer, DPI - Japan
Mr. Imafuku is a board member of Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International (DPI - Japan) and he himself uses an electric wheelchair.
Today he gave a lecture on the current situation of transportation accessibility and the importance of public transportation accessibility for promotion of social participation of persons with disabilities. As he explained using a lot of pictures and short videos, it was really easy to understand. An assistant explained the photos to a participant with visual impairment.
Mr. Imafuku
Classroom
He concluded his session by giving the participants his strong and sincere message which he learned from his 25 years of experiences in the field of transportation accessibility. Some people may say that we can carry the person with disabilities where there is a barrier. It should be, however, commonly recognized that wherever small level differences or gaps exist, a portable ramp is very useful tool to solve the problem. The portable ramp is comparatively low-price, is portable and can easily be handmade. It is absolutely not acceptable to try to overcome barrier problems by "carrying wheelchair users." It is essential to remove the barrier so that persons with disabilities can move freely by themselves.
Lecture material : http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2006/material/lecture/1006/01.html
PM : Accessibility Check in Tokyo Metropolitan City
Group photo before the tour
In the afternoon we all went on a half day tour to experience the transportation accessibility in Tokyo Metropolitan City.
Braille Block at Yoyogi-uehara Station
Inside the train of Odakyu Line
Universal Design Toilet at Gotokuji Station
Universal Design Toilet at Gotokuji Station
Exit at Gotokuji Station
Slope at Setagaya Line
Driver's placing a portable ramp at Setagaya Line
Electric Sign Board inside Train Setagaya Line
Setagaya Line
Train fare in Braille at Shimotakaido Station
right-angle elevator at Shimotakaido Station of Odakyu Line
Odakyu Line at Shinjuku Station
Braille and audio guide of Shinjuku Station
Non-step bus at Shinjuku
getting on a non-step bus at Shinjuku
inside non-step bus at Shinjuku
Escal at Shinjuku Station
We will never forget this experience. As a typoon was approaching to Japan, it was such a windy and stormy day. Even though we all put on a yellow rain jacket, we were all soaked wet when we get back to JICA Tokyo. Mr. Imafuku empowered us that we could go out even in a rainy day to realize our goals and we will be able to make our dreams come true even in rainy days of our life.
Reflection and Comments
group photo after the tour
