Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a ceremony to commend FY2014 Promotion of Barrier Free Universal Design Prize Winners at the Prime Minister’s Office.

These prizes honor those who have made remarkable achievements in the promotion of barrier free universal design, with the aim of widely spreading advanced initiatives related to this concept.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the recipients of the prizes for their contributions to the promotion of barrier free universal design.
The Wakayama Prefectural Museum Facility Vitalization Project Committee that won the Prime Minister’s Prize has undertaken initiatives founded on a series of innovative ideas, including using the latest technology, to allow persons with visual impairments to touch exhibits. I would like to express my profound respect to everyone for their efforts.
The promotion of barrier free universal design requires not only government measures, but also the engagement of society as a whole.
It is my hope that today's ceremony will give momentum to the further adoption of barrier free universal design all across society.
I believe that in encouraging the further adoption of this concept, we need to reform the public mindset. By encouraging the spread of barrier free and universal design, Japan will become a country that is blessed with even more opportunities and an abundance of chances for everyone.
We will create a country in which all people can find chances, and all people can find meaning in life. This is a fundamental policy of the Abe administration. A Japan where the disabled lead meaningful lives and have chances is a better Japan. Today, I feel that Japan can find ways to empower people even more.
I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks by saying that I hope you will all use this prize as a chance for further cooperation and further contributions. Congratulations.”