Issues about Disability and ICT from the Perspective of the History of Assistive Technology Policy in Japan

Abstract

　 This study aimed to describe how the policies of assistive technologies and definitions have changed, and find keys to analyze how the current situation causes ICT to become a barrier for persons with disabilities.

　 In the process of reviewing the history of assistive technology policy in Japan, the author found an issue regarding whether the target of the policy programs includes products manufactured exclusively for people with disabilities or generally available products as well. Most programs were applicable only in especially produced assistive technology.

　 In the Discussion section, the author referred to the “equality of accommodation” theory (Ishikawa 2004) and pointed out that the assistive technology used by the minority is an “accommodation that requires a special cost,” whereas the technology used by the majority, which is also an “accommodation,” remains invisible. As a result, policy trends, especially for products manufactured for people with disabilities, emphasize on the understanding regarding assistive technology as“accommodations that require special costs,” making them auxiliary and adaptive and leaving behind the general development of ICT. To promote social participation of persons with disabilities, the policy and understanding of assistive technologies need to be modified.