Striving for a Barrier-free Society

Where We Call Home.

This Canadian with a disability has been living in Japan for 15 years.

This is Josh Grisdale.

He introduces Japan's barrier-free sightseeing spots to the world.

I love Japan, and I want everyone
to know how wonderful it is.

But barriers between those with disabilities and those without still stand.

There are too few opportunities
to go out and be active in society.

Josh proactively works to change this.

We must bring people
on both sides to interact more.

Let's tag along with Josh in his efforts to foster a society everyone can share.

Edogawa Ward is located at the east end of Tokyo.

Josh Grisdale is getting ready to go out.

Can you help me brush my teeth?

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth.

Helpers provide assistance in his everyday life.

Josh works for a social welfare organization in Edogawa.

They provide a transport service for his commute.

Thank you.

The organization runs facilities such as elderly care centers and nursery schools around Edogawa.

They manage 11 locations throughout the ward, employing a total of around 600 staff members.

In charge of the organization's online presence,

Josh supervises the group's website as well as a video sharing channel introducing their various facilities.

Could you please pour me some water?
Thanks.

At work too, he needs a little help from his colleagues.

- Thanks.
- Here you are.

Everyone is so kind and friendly.

I've found such a wonderful workplace.

It's a comfortable environment.

Ms. Ishimoto, could you put my PC
in my bag? I have a meeting.

Josh has gotten used to his work, but there was once a time when he'd never imagined

he'd one day live in a country with a different culture and language.

He was born in Canada's largest metropolis, Toronto.

His father worked in IT, and his mother was a full-time homemaker.

He's had to use a wheelchair from the early age of four.

Wishing for their son to have a childhood just like the other kids,

his parents have always been encouraging and supportive.

They taught me that I may not be able
to do things as well as others...

but that the will to try my best
is what matters.

He developed an interest in Japan when he took a Japanese language class in high school.

To celebrate his graduation, he made his first visit to the country.

Something he experienced during his travel stirred up his desire to one day live in this faraway land.

When I took the train, station workers
placed a ramp for me to get on.

And at my destination, other staff members
were waiting for me with a ramp as well.

I was amazed at the efforts they took
to make my ride safe and worry-free.

Josh was taken aback by the thoughtful service of the station staff.

He felt Japan would be a wonderful place to live.

In 2007, Josh found employment with an NPO that donates wheelchairs abroad.

His wish to live in Japan became reality.

He later met someone who would change his life.

Kurusu Koji, the chairman of the organization he now works for.

The elderly care industry in Japan counts many foreign workers.

By connecting with care facilities overseas, Kurusu hoped to improve the quality of his organization's services.

Following Kurusu's wish, Josh introduces the facilities' work to the rest of the world.

How's it coming along?

We're getting more users
and positive comments as well.

The Chinese version?

Yes, I'm putting Chinese subtitles
to share more info with facilities there.

- You'll do the English version, too?
- Yes.

- So we can share in English and Chinese.
- Yes.

- Then let's add Mongolian and Vietnamese.
- Yes, for sure.

Josh has many skills we don't.

Being a small organization, it's hard
to keep an international presence online.

Josh's language and computer skills
are a big help for us.

Without him, we couldn't
share information with the world.

Josh is also in charge of dealing with foreign manufacturers of medical equipment.

In addition, he receives the support of Kurusu for one of his personal projects.

Josh provides information in English on various sightseeing locations throughout Japan with barrier-free accessibility.

Today, he visits Zenyoji, a Buddhist temple that's around 500 years old.

He makes it a rule to test the accessibility of the facilities firsthand.

What strikes me is the single ramp
in the center instead of one on each side.

This makes it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy a stress-free visit of the temple.

This is a famous pine tree.

The temple is known for this massive 600-year-old pine tree.

You can feel the history.

This pathway makes it easier
to move around in a wheelchair.

You can get close.

Wheelchair users too can see the tree from up close.

The main temple has ramps on both sides.
Let's give it a try.

They made this place
accessible to anyone.

This can also accommodate the elderly
and parents with baby strollers.

Josh always makes sure to check the restrooms as well.

You can come here with ease of mind.

We want to visit sightseeing spots
just like anybody else.

Then we wonder if it's accessible,
and if the restrooms accommodate us.

So, our excitement turns into worry.

Josh then puts all the information on this website he built.

So far, he's compiled close to 100 sightseeing locations around Japan.

One example are the Tottori sand dunes.

From the sand-crawling wheelchairs available to visitors to the ramps giving close access to the dunes,

Josh leaves no useful information out.

The famous pathway of a thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

is easily reachable to visitors in wheelchairs, thanks to this elevator.

And so, Zenyoji, the temple Josh just visited, now proudly joins the website's lineup of barrier-free attractions.

Besides providing useful information on accessibility, Josh feels there's another area that needs his efforts.

He heads to his local supermarket.

The slope is very convenient.

Can you please get me
two lemonade highballs?

Recently, an increasing number of shops are becoming more accessible.

Yet, in spite of this added barrier-free convenience,

Josh feels there are still too few people with disabilities going out around town.

Perhaps that's because many of them
fear they would cause trouble...

so they choose to stay home.

Many are reluctant to ask for help
because they don't want to bother people.

It's really unfortunate.

We must think of solutions
to overcome...

these 'barriers of the mind' so that
more people can be active in society.

Josh puts emphasis on one simple principle to help break down these invisible 'barriers of the mind.'

I always say the best thing we can do
is to go out.

We have to show ourselves,
show we're part of society...

say we want to live our lives
like anybody else, and show we exist.

Josh believes that now more than ever, people with and without disabilities must come in contact and interact with one another.

An opportunity to do just that has presented itself: he was invited to join an event at a local high school.

Today, people with visual and hearing impairments, along with Josh, are presenting lectures to the students.

Josh hopes the high-schoolers will feel free to come talk to him.

Young kids sometimes candidly ask things
like, 'Why are you in a wheelchair?'

I like that.

But parents often tell their children,
'Don't ask that. It's rude.'

Sadly, it gives kids the impression
that they shouldn't talk to us.

They should become familiar
with people with disabilities early.

He waits patiently at the foot of the stage.

I'm not good at public speaking,
but I believe I have to do it.

Because I sometimes feel
that if I don't, who will?

Josh's turn has come.

In front of 350 first-year students, he begins by introducing what life in a wheelchair is like.

It's a foreign model. It's fast.

- Also, I can...
- That was so fast!

I can recline.

That way, I can lie down
and take a nap at work.

He encourages the students to try to see things from the perspective of people like him.

Because of my disability,
I face a lot of problems.

For example, I'd like to be on stage
with the other lecturers.

I had to stay alone down here.

That has to do with my disability.

People used to think that I can't
because I'm in a wheelchair.

But ways of thinking are changing.

The problem isn't my disability,
but that society hasn't adapted.

I don't mean to criticize...

but for example, this school could've had
a ramp or elevator so I could be on stage.

After the lecture, some students come to talk to him.

One time, I saw someone in a wheelchair
who couldn't overcome...

a difference in elevation.
How could I have helped?

That person must've been at a loss.

So, if you simply ask
'Are you OK? Do you need help?'...

they'll be grateful.

It can be embarrassing to ask for help.
They'll appreciate it if you offer a hand.

Thank you.

This is just a start.

Many have never talked
to people with disabilities.

So, through opportunities like this,
I hope to raise understanding...

that we're just like any other people.

Josh may not be able to move around with the same ease as people without disabilities.

But he tries to go out and about as much as he can.

Can you put it between my hands?

Thanks.

He does it in part because he wants people like the children playing in this park to know that he's there, that he exists.

He dreams of a day when children will be able to play together regardless of any disabilities.

For example, if this park had installations
that kids in wheelchairs could also use...

they'd come here to play.

If children with and without disabilities
could all play together, it'd be wonderful.

Hi.

I'm Viet from Vietnam.

I install wallpaper in Japan.

I love my job because it greatly changes
the atmosphere inside a house.

Let me show you my work.

Soka, Saitama.

Good morning.

Good morning!

"the mark of
a beginner driver"

I got my driver's license.
It was hard.

Today, Viet and his colleagues
work on a newly-built house.

8:00 a.m.
work starts

He covers with putty the screws
and joints between the wall panels.

I apply putty to make sure
the surface is even.

If I don't do this correctly,
the walls won't look nice.

"10:00 a.m.
applying
wallpaper"

This machine evenly coats
the wallpaper with glue.

This paper is thin, so it tends
to leave gaps at the joints.

So, I push the two sheets together...

then press down with a roller
to prevent gaps from forming.

I have to be very meticulous and careful.

He doesn't leave any gaps in the wallpaper
and makes sure the surface is even.

"12:00 p.m.
lunch time"

I train regularly to build my strength,
so I plan my diet carefully.

To save money, I get up early
and prepare my lunch every day.

Every month, Viet sends part of his salary
to his parents back in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, he used to work
at an electronics factory.

To earn a better income,
he moved to Japan.

The demand for wallpaper installation
is on the rise in Vietnam.

So, I decided to study the technique in Japan...

and to continue to do this work
even after I go back to Vietnam.

My parents told me,
'You'll be on your own...

so, work hard but take care
of your health.'

Nagatomo-san is my senior.

When I first arrived in Japan,
he kindly trained me to do this work.

Compared to young Japanese workers,
he's much more eager to work hard.

He often corrects me.

He'll notice my mistakes.
My eyesight isn't what it used to be.

I often think, 'You got me there!'
It takes me back to basics.

Nagatomo-san applies wallpaper
so beautifully and quickly.

I want to learn more from him.

You make me blush.

"1:00 p.m.
working on
the ceiling"

Because the paper is longer for ceilings,
it takes two workers to apply it.

Clients come to see our work,
hey tell us it looks nice...

and say it's wonderful.

It's so rewarding.

My girlfriend gave me this good-luck charm
when I came to Japan.

I take it to work every day.

Viet and his girlfriend came to Japan
at the same time.

I have my girlfriend and my parents,
so I have to earn money.

For that, I have to continue to learn
and perfect my skills.

I'll keep working hard.