#Japan #Tokyo #Assistive Technology #Employment Support #TechnoAid Association

Nationwide Briefings on Employment Support Project

On May 18, 2023, Seed Planning Inc., in collaboration with the TechnoAid Association and with funding from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, will kick off the Employment Support Project utilizing assistive technologies. This program aims to enhance employment for individuals with disabilities through the effective use of independence-supporting devices. Throughout this initiative, briefing sessions will be held across five locations in Japan to introduce the project and guide potential applicants.

Goals and Purpose of the Project

The aim of this project is to stimulate general employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by promoting the adoption of assistive technologies. As varying needs arise among people with disabilities, selecting the right tools tailored to individual characteristics can often be a challenge. Therefore, the initiative seeks not only to provide financial support for the development and improvement of necessary equipment but also to raise awareness regarding the vital role that these devices play in the workplace.

Call for Evaluation Teams

The project is currently seeking evaluation teams comprising manufacturers of assistive devices, general companies employing individuals with disabilities, and intermediaries. Selected teams will evaluate the effectiveness of the assistive technologies being used and identify areas for improvement. Selected teams will receive partial funding for costs associated with the project implementation.

Detailed Information About the Briefing Sessions

The sessions will be held in five Japanese cities: Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Each briefing is designed to provide details about the project and the application process. Specifics include:

• - Overview of the project by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• - Insights from the TechnoAid Association regarding application guidelines and considerations for documentation
• - Important pointers related to creating an evaluation plan
• - Opportunity for individual consultations after the briefing

Schedule of Briefing Sessions

1. Hokkaido Venue
Date: May 18, 2023
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: TKP Garden City PREMIUM Sapporo South Exit

2. Miyagi Venue
Date: May 19, 2023
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: TKP Garden City PREMIUM Sendai West Exit

3. Tokyo Venue
Date: May 21, 2023
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: Bellesalle Yaesu

4. Osaka Venue
Date: June 2, 2023
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: Harbis Hall

5. Fukuoka Venue
Date: June 4, 2023
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: TKP Garden City Hakata Shinkansen Exit

Participation Cost: Free of charge
Target Audience: Manufacturers and vendors of assistive devices, professionals involved in disability welfare, companies considering or employing individuals with disabilities, and researchers.

Additional Information

It’s essential to gather intermediary professionals who could assist in planning and assessing the evaluation of the assistive devices. Examples include occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation engineers, and others involved in such roles.
For those interested in forming teams, the sessions will also provide networking opportunities to foster team creation.

Registration Instructions

All interested participants need to pre-register via the following link: Application Site.
Please note that the registration deadline is June 3, 2023, at 17:00.

For further inquiries regarding this project, please reach out via email at [email protected] or contact Arakawa or Unemoto for assistance.