"Creating a society where information reaches everyone, including those with disabilities."
This aspiration led to the birth of the "Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities."
However, many people might wonder, "What exactly is this law?" or "What measures should be implemented?"
This article will gently explain the key points of the law and introduce approaches to web accessibility. By understanding the basics of information assurance and web accessibility, let's take a step towards a better society for everyone.
1. What is the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities?
The Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities was enacted in 2022 with the aim of enabling individuals with disabilities to access information and communicate smoothly.
The basic principles of the "Bill on the Promotion of Measures for Information Acquisition and Use and Communication by Persons with Disabilities" (officially known as the "Bill on the Promotion of Measures for Information Acquisition and Use and Communication by Persons with Disabilities") discussed in the House of Councillors' Committee on Health, Labour and Welfare are summarized below.
| Basic Principles | Ensure that all persons with disabilities can acquire and use necessary information and communicate using information and communication technology in a digital society |
| Ensure equal access to information acquisition and use regardless of the region in which they live their daily and social lives | |
| Ensure that persons with disabilities can acquire the same information at the same time as those without disabilities | |
| Utilize advanced information and communication networks and technology (digital society) |
As these four basic principles indicate, the entire nation aims to create a society where everyone can access necessary information, regardless of the type of disability, such as visual or auditory impairments.
For companies, responding to this law is not only fulfilling a social responsibility but also a significant opportunity to deliver services to a broader audience. As a first step towards promoting information accessibility, it is essential to thoroughly understand the purpose of this law.
2. Background and History of the Legislation
The background to the enactment of the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities includes the significant issue of the "information gap for persons with disabilities."
With the rapid advancement of the information society, digitalization of administrative procedures, service provision, and information dissemination during disasters has significantly developed. However, the "information gap," such as "difficulty accessing necessary information" and "communication not proceeding smoothly," has become a serious social issue.
The support measures required vary widely depending on the type and degree of disability, such as visual, auditory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. However, traditional systems and initiatives have been limited to uniform responses, and detailed information provision tailored to the characteristics of disabilities has not been adequately provided. Particularly, cases such as "evacuation information not being conveyed during disasters" and "inability to make emergency calls" are significant challenges directly related to life and livelihood.
Considering these circumstances, the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities was enacted to systematically promote support for information acquisition and communication. For companies, this law serves as an important guideline. Beyond mere legal compliance, ensuring web accessibility and enhancing reasonable accommodation to deliver services to diverse people is required. For more details on reasonable accommodation, please refer to this article.
Reference:
3. A Clear Summary of the Law
3-1. Required Responses Vary Depending on Disabilities or Illnesses
The Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities requires appropriate information provision and communication methods tailored to the type and degree of disability or illness. When companies consider information assurance and web accessibility, "support tailored to individual needs" rather than "uniform responses" is key. Below are specific response points for different disabilities.
| Type of Disability | Response Points |
| Visual Impairment | Web design supporting screen readers (voice reading support), accurate description of alternative text (alt text), provision of braille materials, and use of enlarged text |
| Hearing Impairment | Adding subtitles to video and audio content, introduction of sign language and summary writing, and establishment of text-based inquiry methods such as chat or email |
| Physical Disability | Support for keyboard operation and voice input, provision of navigation operable without a mouse, simple screen layout, and appropriate tap area (smartphone support) |
| Intellectual, Developmental, and Mental Disabilities | Information provision in easy-to-understand language avoiding complex technical terms, visual explanations using diagrams and illustrations, and organizing information to present it step-by-step |
| Internal Disabilities and Higher Brain Dysfunction | Operation design considering concentration and memory (simple navigation, input assistance), layout not assuming long-term viewing, and system configuration allowing user-paced operation |
By approaching accessibility with these perspectives, companies not only comply with the law but also take the first step towards a society where everyone can live more comfortably.
An environment where information is correctly conveyed and personal intentions can be expressed is a significant force in promoting independence and social participation for people with disabilities. This approach also presents a valuable opportunity for companies to create new value in "services accessible to everyone," building trust with diverse users.
3-2. Introducing Examples of the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities
One company implementing the principles of the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities is Linkline Co., Ltd., headquartered in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Linkline, as a "special subsidiary" promoting employment for persons with disabilities, focuses on the manufacturing and sale of soap. Notably, it functions effectively as a private company producing high-quality products without being confined to a welfare framework. Their brand "liilii"Ⓡ is available in stores nationwide and is well-received for its charming appearance and skin-friendliness.
Linkline's initiatives are an excellent example of realizing the law's principles in concrete form. For companies exploring information assurance and reasonable accommodation, it offers many insights and lessons.
Reference: Linkline Co., Ltd.
4. Key Points of Web Accessibility Increasing in Importance from 2024!
With the enactment of the Act on the Promotion of Measures for Accessibility and Communication for Persons with Disabilities, companies are also required to establish an environment for equitable access to information. Consequently, the importance of web accessibility has been rising more than ever in recent years.
Particularly noteworthy is the "design of websites where everyone can receive information without stress."
For example, for individuals with visual impairments, structures supporting voice reading and appropriate descriptions of alternative text are necessary. For those with hearing impairments, adding subtitles to video content is essential. Additionally, for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, explanations using easy-to-understand language and diagrams are effective. By addressing these diverse needs, websites open to everyone can be realized.
In the future, accessibility efforts will be questioned not only from a legal perspective but also as factors affecting corporate trust and brand value. For more information on web accessibility, please refer to this article.
Reference:
5. Conclusion
To create a society where everyone can access accurate information, regardless of disability, understanding and practicing web accessibility by companies is essential. In recent years, legal frameworks have been advancing, and companies are required to take specific actions.
Web accessibility measures are not merely technical responses but an important initiative as part of "reasonable accommodation." Therefore, many companies advancing these measures may face challenges in raising internal awareness and building systems.
At Ayumi, we offer free consultations utilizing insights gained from the field of disability support. We also conduct workshops that provide practical learning and offer flexible support tailored to each company's challenges.
No question is too small. If you're wondering, "What should companies do next?" feel free to contact Ayumi. The future of a symbiotic society begins with that small step.
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