Monday, July 30, 2001
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended a meeting on measures for handicapped persons held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Based on the recognition that precise understanding of the needs of handicapped persons is necessary in order to appropriately promote measures for such persons, the Prime Minister himself held this meeting for the first time as a forum to listen directly to the opinions of those parties concerned, including handicapped persons and their families. At the outset, Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "I am sure that your families are making unseen efforts. Today, I would like to hear your opinions so as to enable your greater participation in society." In response, handicapped persons taking part, their families and organizations representing handicapped people presented their opinions and proposals on matters including the enhancement of medical care, approaches to sports, guarantees for places of employment and enhancement of services for handicapped persons. |