An Implementation of Employment for People with Disabilities in Northern Region of Okinawa Prefecture

Abstract

Recently, in Japan, there has been an increase in the number of people with disabilities that are either seeking a job or working in one.Furthermore, there has been an increase in the percentage of people with disabilities among the workers of enterprises that have more than 56 employees.This has been a continuing trend, especially, in the northern region of Okinawa Prefecture.To investigate this phenomenon, the author has conducted research in Okinawa and has found three characteristics unique to the region. 1) Human relations are highly valued in Okinawa, so, despite the decline in regional industry, some companies have been employing people who cannot get a job easily. 2) Taken regular jobs apart into simpler jobs for people with disabilities, and there is also a system to promote job skills. 3) Members of Okinawa Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises share ways to employ people with disabilities, leading to an increase in the number of companies that employ disabled people.It is suggested that the warm human relations characteristic of Okinawa are an important element in extending employment to people with disabilities.And, it is put forward that people with disabilities should receive reasonable accommodation for their employment.