Supporting Lifelong Welfare Systems: Learning from Japan’s Approach to Disability Support

The Minister for Family, Labour and Social Protection, L. Enkh-Amgalan, met with Chief Advisor Chiba Hisao of the project “Strengthening the System for Supporting the Employment of People with Disabilities” to review Japan’s comprehensive approach to supporting people with disabilities. Japan’s model is built around two main pillars: employment support and daily living support.

 

Key Aspects of Japan’s Support System:

1. Employment Support:

• Employment exchanges: Facilitating job matching for people with disabilities.

• Regional centers for people with disabilities: Local centers dedicated to providing resources and guidance.

• Special needs schools: Education institutions tailored for individuals with disabilities.

• Job placement and on-the-job training: Collaborating with businesses to place individuals in jobs and provide training.

2. Daily Living Support:

• Support during the transition to the open labor market: Assisting individuals as they enter mainstream employment.

• Welfare employment: Providing supported work environments for people with disabilities.

• Welfare services: Offering services like day care, health services, and therapeutic consultations to promote independence.

 

Japan’s Integrated Approach:

 

Japan’s integrated services empower people with disabilities by helping them develop independent and sustainable work and life habits, creating an environment where they can thrive both professionally and personally.

 

Challenges and Gaps in Mongolia’s System:

 

While Mongolia has made strides in supporting people with disabilities, the current system still faces limitations:

• Lack of comprehensive welfare services, such as day care.

• Limited coverage for life support services, particularly from NGOs.

• Few established mechanisms for providing comprehensive daily living support.

 

During the meeting, Minister Enkh-Amgalan expressed a strong desire to model Japan’s lifelong welfare system as a blueprint for Mongolia. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses both the employment and daily living needs of people with disabilities. This will involve collaboration with experts from relevant agencies to devise a detailed plan for ensuring people with disabilities are supported throughout their lives, offering greater opportunities for independence and inclusion in society.