Abstract
The disability rights independent living movement has created a long-term services and support system, enabling 24-hours care for the severely disabled. Currently, this type of care is called “visiting care for persons with severe disabilities.” This service is closest to the “personal assistance” mentioned in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, it is not part of the elderly care insurance system. From the perspective of the disability rights independent living movement, the elderly care insurance system has enormous restrictions, including a cap on the amount and time of use, severe restrictions on the content of use, and the charging of fees. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare （MHLW） has repeatedly attempted to bring services and support system for persons with disabilities closer to the elderly care insurance system. However, each time, the disability rights independent living movement has been engaged in a fierce administrative struggle. This report intends to inform the readers about the shortcomings of the elderly care insurance system, from the viewpoint of the disability rights independent living movement and the history and features of the struggle behind the movement which leads to the present state.
