Techno Aid Association Launches Employment Support Project for Disabled Workers

Introduction

The Techno Aid Association, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the launch of a pioneering initiative designed to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Supported by funding from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this project focuses on the practical application of assistive devices in workplaces for people with disabilities.

Project Overview

The core aim of this project is to bridge the gap between assistive device manufacturers, employers who hire individuals with disabilities, and intermediaries who facilitate these connections. Through collaborative efforts, the project seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and identify potential challenges associated with utilizing assistive technology in real-world employment settings. Selected teams participating in the project will receive financial support to help address costs involved in testing these devices.

Increasing Demand for Diverse Needs

In recent years, the needs of individuals with disabilities have become increasingly diverse and complex. This variety poses challenges in selecting and implementing the most suitable assistive devices for each individual. The new initiative encourages collaboration between device manufacturers, employers, and support intermediaries, allowing them to collectively assess the impact and effectiveness of assistive technology in the workplace. This feedback will be essential in improving and accelerating the development and distribution of such devices, ultimately contributing to the employment of individuals with disabilities.

Call for Participation in Monitoring Teams

As part of this initiative, the Techno Aid Association is calling for participants to form Monitoring Teams, which will primarily comprise device manufacturers and employers focused on hiring individuals with disabilities. These teams will conduct evaluations, using various assistive devices and providing feedback on their effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Financial Support for Device Testing

The project, funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, will provide financial assistance to organizations selected to participate. This funding aims to support the evaluation of assistive devices in actual work environments, thereby facilitating broader use and acceptance of such technology.

Open Invitation for Team Formations

While the formation of teams is encouraged, individuals or organizations that currently do not belong to a team are also welcome to participate. The public briefings will include networking sessions aimed at matching potential collaborators, providing opportunities for those who wish to establish teams for the project.

Public Briefing Sessions

To disseminate information about the project and the application process, public briefing sessions will be conducted in three locations across Japan, accompanied by simultaneous web broadcasting for those unable to attend in person. Here is the schedule:

- Osaka: June 13, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Herbis Hall, Small Hall.
- Fukuoka: June 20, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at TKP Garden City Hakata Shinkansen Entrance Premium Hall.
- Tokyo: June 27, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Shin Marunouchi Building Conference Square, Room 901.

Participation is free of charge for all sessions.

Additional Information

For more details about the project or to apply for participation, please refer to the following links:

About the Techno Aid Association

The Techno Aid Association is a public interest foundation founded on March 16, 1987. Its mission encompasses various initiatives relating to welfare equipment and assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, including producing hearing aids and supporting the certification of prosthetists and orthotists.

Contact for Questions:
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Techno Aid Association
Planning Department
Contact Persons: Udagawa, Kagawa, Takeda, Goto
Phone: 03-3266-6883
Email: shogai-kiki2@techno-aids.or.jp