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'Self-support' law comes under fire at public hearing in Osaka

A local hearing was held in Osaka on October 7 on a bill to force disabled persons to pay 10 percent of the costs for services ostensibly to "promote self-support" of disabled persons. Most witnesses expressed opposition to or concerns about the legislation.

The hearing was organized on October 7 by the House of Councilors Health and Labor Committee and was attended by five witnesses including representatives of advocacy organizations for disabled persons.

Citing the case of her own 23-year-old son's eventful life after separating himself from his parents, Hashimoto Hiroko said that if the law is enacted, he will have to pay an extra 83,000 yen a month. She said her son currently receives 83,000 yen in pension for disabled persons and 1,000 yen for his work at a workshop for physically or mentally handicapped persons.

The government has explained that there will be reductions or exemptions on payments for services so that disabled persons working at workshops for physically or mentally handicapped persons can reserve at least 25,000 yen (about 220 US dollars).

Hashimoto said, "How can a disabled person live on their own on only 25,000 yen a month?"

Nakao Masatoshi, a board member of the Osaka Medical Association who attended the hearing at the request of the LDP, expressed concern, stating, "If disabled persons are asked to pay 10 percent of costs for services, the burden will be heavier for persons with serious disabilities." -- Akahata, October 8, 2005