Japan's World Exposition 2005 is designed to allow the disabled to get around easily

There is no better example of a "barrier-free" environment than the newly-opened World Exposition 2005 in Japan, with it's awareness of disabled travellers.

People in wheelchairs are proving to be a common sight on the Expo's Global Loop, the elevated corridor in the Nagakute Area that links major facilities at the Expo, including each of the Gates, all six of the Global Commons and the Corporate Pavilion Zones.

The barrier-free main street reduces the need for vertical movement, ensuring safe and comfortable access for visitors. At key points along the Global Loop where vertical movement is necessary, stairs, elevators and escalators are already set up to ensure that visitors are able to move about without hindrance.

The whole venue follows the concept of a barrier-free design to allow every visitor to move freely within sites, buildings, toilets, rest areas and other service facilities. Staff have been trained to perform their duties and uphold common principles with regards to those requiring barrier-free facilities, including the elderly, breast-fed infants, expectant mothers and overseas visitors requiring foreign language manuals. Seven indoor rest areas and several covered outdoor rest areas have been provided to ensure everyone's comfort, while social care centre facilities have been provided to help those with impairments so they can enjoy the Expo.

Wheelchairs, guidebooks in Braille and audio CDs are available. Staff are also providing site information in sign language. They also escort those in manual wheelchairs to areas where they can view the site. Going to rest rooms is also trouble-free as special toilets are provided for the disabled.

People with other than fold-up wheelchairs are advised to use the pay-parking lots for the disabled at the Nagakute Area West Terminal. The distance from the parking lot to the entrance gate is approximately 300 metres. The approach from the railway station to the site is also completely accessible.

Information on opening and closing times, events, introductions to facilities, public transport and emergency procedures are displayed on information boards and 50 plasma screens located throughout the venue.

The Expo, which opened last Friday in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, will run until September 25.

For more details, contact the Japan National Tourist Organisation office in Bangkok at (02) 233 5108.

The Nation Sat, April 02, 2005