This Assignment Addresses Your Global Awareness Outcome

This assignment addresses your Global Awareness Outcome , Students will B

This assignment addresses your Global Awareness Outcome, students will be able to describe the interrelated dynamics (e.g., legislative, attitudinal, linguistic, sociocultural, globalization) that influence accessibility for individuals with disabilities in communities across the world. The student will assume a specific role in researching their selected country outside of the United States. Role 2: A leader in the selected country who is trying to increase tourism. Among yourselves, you are to select a country outside of the United States that you are interested in researching pertaining to the specific laws and/or disability rights of that country. Within your role, you are to select and research which questions are most pertinent to your role. You will submit a PowerPoint presentation and a 2-page APA formatted paper explaining your role and the particular questions you researched. The paper should include a global review of the country and its comparison to the USA, reflecting on disability laws, societal progress, current legislation, accessibility, and the role of recreation and sports services in overcoming barriers. Additionally, you should propose a specific law to increase tourism in your chosen country. The presentation must be a maximum of 8 slides with voice recording, focusing on questions 5-8.

Paper For Above instruction

The pursuit of global inclusivity for individuals with disabilities requires an understanding of the diverse legislative, cultural, and societal factors that shape accessibility worldwide. As a leader in a chosen country—seeking to promote tourism—my role is to explore the legal frameworks, societal attitudes, and infrastructural realities that influence disability rights. This paper examines these aspects, comparing my selected country’s progression with that of the United States, especially in relation to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and explores strategies for fostering a more inclusive society through recreation, legislation, and social awareness.

My chosen country for this analysis is Japan, recognized for its advanced infrastructure and rich cultural heritage, yet facing ongoing challenges in disability accessibility and societal inclusion. Japan’s legal stance on disability rights is primarily governed by the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (2013), which aims to promote equal participation in society. Compared to the ADA, Japan’s laws emphasize non-discrimination and accessibility, but often lag in practical implementation—such as accessible public transportation and urban infrastructure—compared to the comprehensive and enforceable standards set forth in the ADA. Historically, Japan has been behind the US in disability rights legislation, but recent reforms signal a commitment to catching up, especially with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics focusing on inclusivity.

The ADA has had a profound impact on society by establishing clear rights for individuals with disabilities, promoting accessible design, and fostering social awareness. Its influence extends beyond legislative boundaries, shaping societal attitudes toward inclusion. Recent legislation within the last two years, such as the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), reinforces commitments to accessibility through funding for accessible transportation and infrastructure projects. Such laws underline the ongoing evolution of disability rights, emphasizing the importance of integrating accessibility into national development agendas.

Globally, society has achieved significant milestones in overcoming attitudinal and architectural barriers. Landmark events such as the Paralympic Games have heightened awareness of disability rights and showcased inclusive capabilities. Effective strategies include universal design principles, education campaigns to change societal perceptions, and community-based initiatives that foster participation. Despite these advances, many regions still face systemic barriers, with marginalized populations experiencing social exclusion and inadequate accessibility—highlighting the need for continued advocacy and concerted global efforts.

Recreation and sports services hold a vital role in promoting societal inclusion by providing platforms for interaction, physical activity, and community engagement. Accessible recreational sites facilitate social integration and demonstrate societal commitment to inclusion. In Japan, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and the wheelchair-accessible Sapporo Snow Festival highlight accessible recreation potential. These sites offer inclusive activities and serve as models for integrating accessibility into popular tourism attractions, thereby promoting awareness and acceptance through shared experiences.

To further enhance tourism and accessibility, I propose enacting a comprehensive “Accessible Tourism Development Law” in Japan. This law would mandate the universal design of tourist sites, transportation systems, and lodging facilities, incentivize private sector investment in accessible infrastructure, and establish a dedicated fund to support accessible tourism initiatives. Such legislation would attract a broader demographic of tourists with disabilities and their families, boosting economic growth while reinforcing the country’s image as an inclusive destination. The law’s emphasis on collaboration between government, private enterprises, and disability advocacy groups would ensure sustainable progress toward accessible, enjoyable travel experiences for all.

References

  • United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html
  • Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF). (2022). International Disability Laws. https://dredf.org
  • American Association of Disabled Persons. (2021). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. https://adata.org
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2013). Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. https://www.mofa.go.jp
  • International Paralympic Committee. (2023). Accessibility in Sports. https://www.paralympic.org
  • World Health Organization. (2011). World report on disability. https://www.who.int
  • Transport for All. (2022). Accessibility in Japan: Current and Future Developments. https://t4a.org
  • OECD. (2022). Inclusive Growth and Accessibility. https://www.oecd.org
  • UNESCO. (2020). Promoting Accessible Education and Recreation. https://en.unesco.org
  • Japan Tourism Agency. (2023). Accessible Tourism Initiatives. https://www.japan.travel/en

Related Assignments