May 4 – The NHRCK concluded that wheelchair lifts are not considered as “reasonable accommodations” for the persons with disabilities, which are required to be provided according to the Disability Discrimination Act. A recommendation was issued calling on the Ministers of Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs (MIHWAF), Ministry of Land, Transportation and Marine Affairs (MLTM), Ministry of Public Administration and Security (MOPAS), and the heads of local autonomous entities related to subway and train systems to install elevators instead of wheelchair lifts to secure the right of transfer and accessibility to the facilities of the persons with disabilities, and to take measures for the safe operation of existing wheelchair lifts.
The NHRCK pointed out that the current wheelchair lifts may embarrass persons with disabilities with alert sounds and blinkers, and the usage per se is too complicated. To make matters worse, the safety devices are not well equipped which result in accidents, and the size is improper for motor scooters and motor wheelchairs which are used more frequently.
The recommendation includes removing wheelchair lifts from the list of reasonable accommodations for the disabled, providing measures to install elevators at the subway system and strengthening safety for the existing wheelchair lifts.
