Intellectual Disability Awareness Day
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What Is Intellectual Disability Awareness Day?
September 10th is "Intellectual Disability Awareness Day" in Japan, established in 1964 by the Japan Federation of Welfare for the Mentally Retarded (now the Japan League on Developmental Disabilities).
A Day Born to Spread Understanding of Intellectual Disability
This anniversary carries a wish for society as a whole to support people with intellectual disabilities.
- Its purpose: to deepen society's understanding of people with intellectual disabilities and raise broad awareness about improving their welfare
- How the name changed: the term used at the time of its founding ("seishin hakujaku," an old term roughly meaning "feeble-minded") was replaced in law by "chiteki shogai" (intellectual disability) through a 1998 legal revision, and the anniversary's name changed accordingly
- How the founding organization changed: the organization that established the day has since been renamed and continues its work today as the Japan League on Developmental Disabilities, carrying out research, awareness activities, and exchange and cooperation with other Asian countries
- A month of awareness: September 1st to 30th is designated a welfare month for people with intellectual disabilities, and the Japan League on Developmental Disabilities now runs awareness activities as "Developmental Disabilities Welfare Month"
A Change in Terminology That Reflects Progress in Disability Welfare
The shift in terminology used to describe intellectual disability reflects more than a simple change of words -- it mirrors a broader shift in social awareness toward respecting the dignity of people with disabilities. The history of this anniversary itself tells the story of Japan's progress in disability welfare.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Learn accurate information about intellectual disabilities
- Learn about organizations and activities that support people with intellectual disabilities
- Reflect on the accessibility and universal design features around you
- Think about what you personally can do to help build a society where everyone can live comfortably
Individual Understanding Is a Solid Step Toward an Inclusive Society
Building a society where people with intellectual disabilities can live with peace of mind starts with each person gaining accurate understanding. Let September 10th be a chance to learn about the welfare of people with intellectual disabilities and reflect on building a more inclusive society.