【For Beginners】What is Barrier-Free? Introducing 4 Types of Barriers and the Difference from Universal Design

When asked the question, "What is barrier-free?" what comes to mind? Many people might think of "handrails" or "ramps" installed at stations and buildings.

However, the true meaning of barrier-free is to "consider those who find it inconvenient to do things that are easy for most people, and transform society into one where everyone can live comfortably." By doing so, everyone can smile.

This time, we will explain barrier-free not only in terms of its definition but also with specific examples.

1. What is Barrier-Free?

Originally, the term "barrier-free" was a type of construction term. It means "removing barriers," specifically physical barriers, to make life easier, especially for the elderly and disabled.

So, what constitutes a barrier?

Steps at entrances, stairs, steep roads, and gaps between trains and platforms can all be barriers.
However, barriers are not limited to physical objects.

Barrier-free truly means removing social, institutional, and psychological barriers to social participation for everyone.

Barrier-free elements are more prevalent in our daily lives than you might think.

"Ramps and handrails" are examples. They are easy to understand and use for everyone and are especially common.

These two are mainly designed to help the elderly, wheelchair users, and those with disabilities move smoothly.

Other examples include barrier-free toilets for people with physical disabilities and acoustic signals at crosswalks for the visually impaired or those with mobility issues.

All of these are designed to be user-friendly for people with disabilities, the elderly, and even small children.

As you can see, our daily lives are filled with various barrier-free elements, and you should be able to feel them too.

Let's consider why barrier-free is necessary, with a correct understanding of its meaning.

2. The Four Types of Barriers

Specifically, what kinds of "barriers" exist? Various barriers in society can be broadly divided into four types.

2-1. Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are those that cause difficulties in movement for people using public transportation, roads, buildings, etc.

For example, gaps and steps between train platforms and trains, elevator buttons out of reach for wheelchair users, and slippery floors or steps leading into buildings.

2-2. Institutional Barriers

Institutional barriers are those where social systems or rules prevent people with disabilities from having the same opportunities as able-bodied individuals, regardless of their abilities. Examples include refusal to allow guide dogs in facilities, restrictions on taking entrance exams or qualification tests due to disabilities.

Ayumi has an article on the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. Please also check the link below.

Reference:

2-3. Cultural and Informational Barriers

Cultural and informational barriers are those where people with disabilities cannot access the same information or cultural activities as able-bodied individuals. Examples include touch-panel-only controls, events or lectures without sign language interpreters, and audio-only announcements at stations or on trains.

Additionally, the information gap where barrier-free information cannot be found or accessed online is also a significant barrier.

2-4. Attitudinal Barriers

Attitudinal barriers refer to feelings of pity or prejudice against the elderly or disabled, such as thinking "poor thing" or "unfortunate." Even unconscious actions like standing on or placing objects on tactile paving can create significant psychological barriers for the visually impaired.

3. Why is the Concept of Barrier-Free Necessary?

Barrier-free is not just for the disabled or elderly.

For example, steps can be a barrier for mothers using strollers. It is needed by many, including pregnant women, parents with strollers, and those with injuries like fractures.

Additionally, Japan entered a super-aging society at an unprecedented speed in 2007. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, seniors aged 65 and over make up 28% of the total population.

Reference: Statistics on Japan's Elderly Population｜Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

Regarding people with disabilities, a survey by the Cabinet Office shows that 8% of the total population, about 9.65 million people, have disabilities.

Reference: Recent Trends in the Field of Disability Welfare｜Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

When combining the elderly, people with disabilities, and children under two using strollers, over 45 million people need barrier-free environments.

Consider barrier-free toilets: they are designed to be wider than regular toilets and equipped with handrails, making them accessible not only for wheelchair users and the elderly but also for anyone, with features like baby beds.

In this way, barrier-free environments ensure that everyone can live without inconvenience in their daily lives.

4. Introducing Practical Examples and Innovations of Barrier-Free

Barrier-free is not something special, but it is abundant in everyday life.

One example is the non-step buses that have become more common in recent years.

Originally, buses were designed with high floors, making them inconvenient for wheelchair users, the elderly, and pregnant women.

However, non-step buses have no steps at the entrance or inside, and they are equipped with wheelchair spaces, making them comfortable to use.

Additionally, voice guidance is a thoughtful innovation for the visually impaired. Combined with tactile paving, voice guidance helps them understand where things are, assisting them in going out.

"Ekimatope," introduced in 2022, is a barrier-free facility that visualizes ambient sounds on train platforms, allowing hearing-impaired individuals to use trains safely.

You can read an article about Ekimatope, designed by Reiko Katayama, CEO of Hougaku Co., Ltd., below.

Reference:

As you look around the city, you'll find many barrier-free initiatives. Try looking for barrier-free elements in your surroundings.

5. Is Japan Advancing in Barrier-Free? Comparing Japan's Current Situation with Overseas

So, how prevalent is barrier-free in Japan?

As mentioned earlier, physical barrier-free elements are widespread and visible everywhere.

In particular, the barrier-free nature of stations we use daily is notably different from other countries.

In Japan, 94.3% of railway stations with an average daily ridership of over 3,000 people have tactile paving for the visually impaired. Additionally, 89% of stations have at least one barrier-free route, indicating a high level of consideration for barrier-free access.

Reference: Is Japan's Barrier-Free Progressing? Current State of Transportation and Historical Buildings｜NHK

In major cities overseas, such as London and Paris, some underground stations lack elevators, making it very inconvenient for those who need barrier-free access.

On the other hand, hotels and rental housing in Japan lag behind compared to overseas.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism mandates that when constructing or expanding hotels with a floor area of 2,000 square meters or more and a total of 50 rooms or more, at least 1% of the total number of rooms must be barrier-free rooms.

Reference: Overview of Architectural Design Standards for Smooth Movement of the Elderly and Disabled in Hotels and Inns (Supplementary Edition)｜Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

However, in France, barrier-free rooms are installed on each floor, and in Turkey and South Africa, one is installed for every 50 rooms, indicating that Japan is not as advanced in hotel-related barrier-free measures compared to the world.

Furthermore, the disclosure of barrier-free information is also delayed.

For those affected, this is most acutely felt when choosing housing.

In Japan, there are not many barrier-free rental properties. Moreover, such information is rarely listed on real estate portal sites, and even when found, contracts may be refused simply because of wheelchair use.

Even in Japan, a super-aging society, there is still a need for barrier-free development. Alongside physical barrier-free measures, mental barrier-free is also crucial.

6. Definition of Barrier-Free in SDGs

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are international goals set by the United Nations from 2016 to 2030. There are 17 goals, and among them, barrier-free initiatives are emphasized.

Details can be found at the United Nations Information Center, so please check the link below if you're interested.

Reference: Creating Sustainable Cities｜United Nations Information Center

Goal 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," aims to create cities that are livable for everyone and includes targets such as:

By 2030, expand public transportation, considering the needs of women, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly, so that everyone can use affordable, safe, and sustainable transportation.

By 2030, ensure that everyone, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, can access safe and easy-to-use green spaces and public areas.

Source: 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities｜Japan Committee for UNICEF

As such, barrier-free initiatives are globally important and increasingly necessary.

7. Explaining the Difference Between Barrier-Free and Universal Design

A term often confused with barrier-free is "universal design." Many people may not know the difference.

In simple terms, barrier-free is primarily designed with consideration for people with disabilities and the elderly, while universal design is considerate of individual differences and nationality, regardless of disabilities.

In other words, universal design is a step further than barrier-free.

Examples include the textured surfaces on shampoo bottles, sensor-activated faucets, and pictograms. These are all familiar items.

The textured surfaces on shampoo bottles are not only for the visually impaired but also for those washing their hair with their eyes closed. Sensor-activated faucets are convenient for people with hand disabilities, children with weak grip strength, and the elderly.

Additionally, pictograms are designed to be easily understood by anyone, regardless of nationality, such as tourists who do not understand Japanese or the elderly who have difficulty reading small text.

Recently, the concept of inclusive design is spreading, which respects diversity and considers human rights, aiming to include rather than exclude specific people who find traditional products or services inconvenient.

While universal design refers to designs that can be used by as many people as possible regardless of their situation or ability, inclusive design involves designing from the perspective of the target audience.

Examples include NIKE's "Go FlyEase" and TOTO's "Public Toilet." For more details, please read the article below.

Reference:

In the United States, there are also universal design parks.

These parks feature play equipment tailored to children's developmental stages, areas with different decorations for the visually impaired, and sandboxes with raised heights so that children in wheelchairs can play together, among other innovations.

However, implementing universal design requires large land areas and funding. While it can be implemented in municipal facilities, public transportation, and commercial facilities, it is challenging for individual stores to adopt.

On the other hand, in recent Japan, there is an increase in inclusive design parks where everyone, regardless of disabilities or age, can use the facilities. For more details, please read the article below.

Reference:

8. What is Mental Barrier-Free?

So far, we have explained "physical barrier-free," but now let's discuss the invisible, "mental barrier-free."

First, what is mental barrier-free?

Generally, mental barrier-free refers to all people with various mental and physical characteristics and perspectives communicating and supporting each other to deepen mutual understanding.

What is necessary for us to embody mental barrier-free?

According to the Prime Minister's Office, three key points are necessary to embody mental barrier-free:

1. Understanding that removing social barriers for people with disabilities is a societal responsibility
2. Ensuring no discrimination against people with disabilities and their families
3. Developing the ability to interact with others and cultivate empathy by imagining the difficulties and pain others face

Reference: "About Mental Barrier-Free" Prime Minister's Office

In Japan, people with and without disabilities are educated separately in schools. Even in society, people with disabilities often work in separate environments like facilities, leading to a perception of them as "special people."

However, to realize "mental barrier-free," it is essential to get to know each other and enjoy activities together through work experiences and events.

Specifically:

・Awareness through advertisements and posters
・Utilization of mental barrier-free notebooks
・Awareness through media such as videos
・Lectures by experts

These are some examples.

If you want to learn more about mental barrier-free, please read the article below.

Reference:

Finally, let's consider what activities we can do.

9. What We Can Do to Achieve a Barrier-Free Society

There are many things we can do to achieve barrier-free.

According to wheelchair users, many feel that "mental barrier-free is not well understood in Japan."

In Japan, you may see people offering a hand to those with mobility issues when boarding a train or guiding visually impaired individuals within stations, but it is said to be less common compared to overseas.

Additionally, in terms of legal measures, the Barrier-Free Act was revised in 2020, but it is still relatively recent, and barrier-free is not yet fully established.

Therefore, to create a more livable society for everyone, it is important for each person to spread mental barrier-free.

For example, if you see a wheelchair user struggling in front of a store with steps, approach them and ask, "Is there anything I can help with?" This is one way to contribute to barrier-free.

Similarly, if you see parents with strollers, the elderly, or pregnant women in need, offer assistance. Instead of stepping back because you don't know, make it a habit to ask if you're unsure.

There is surely something you can do. Even small actions can gradually contribute to spreading mental barrier-free throughout Japan.

The Ayumi General Incorporated Association provides comprehensive services related to barrier-free in customer service, environment, and information, specifically for stores. If you're interested, please read and feel free to request materials or contact us.

"I want to understand reasonable accommodation and apply it on-site"
"I want to implement physical barrier-free measures, improve customer service skills, and enhance PR for people with disabilities"
"I want to strengthen risk management"
"I want to practice with a focus on inner branding"

If you have such thoughts, we offer free consultations, so please feel free to contact us.

Reference: Try a Free Consultation

10. In Conclusion

How was this article?

There are many things you can do to spread mental barrier-free starting now. However, some may not know what to do specifically.

First, expanding your knowledge about barrier-free may gradually reveal what you can do.

Ayumi publishes articles on barrier-free from various perspectives, such as

Reference: