disabled

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Action held against "self-support" law

The Liaison Council of Disabled People's Workshops (Kyosa-ren) held a day of nationwide action on December 6 in protest against the "self-support" law forcing disabled persons to pay 10 percent of the cost for services they need. This law was enacted in the last special Diet session.

Conducted at 57 places in 30 prefectures, the action marked the beginning of Kyosa-ren's 29th campaign to collect signatures and donations.

Public figures, including singers, a TV personality, and a scriptwriter, took part in the action in front of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo with about 400 other participants.

Singer Kamijo Tsunehiko appealed to passers-by, stating, "The issues facing disabled people are inseparable from peace. Caring for the weak is what democracy is also about."

The nationwide action collected 6,185 signatures and more than 880,000 yen in donations.

Currently, 95 percent of disabled people are using workshops. The "self-support" law will charge them higher than their average monthly wage of 7,300 yen.
- Akahata, December 7, 2005