In order to broaden employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, measures are being taken under the Law for Employment Promotion, etc., of Persons with Disabilities, to expand as well as stabilize the employment of persons with disabilities, including not only the persons with physical disabilities but also persons with intellectual and mental disabilities.In concrete terms, under the Fundamental Policies for Employment Measures for persons with disabilities, closely-woven measures to respond to the characteristics of a disability are being taken, with special emphasis on persons with severe disabilities.

A.	Employment Promotion under the Employment Quota System for Persons with Disabilities and the Levy and Grant System for Persons with Disabilities

Based on the revised law passed in FY1997, we established a new employment quota system for persons with disabilities, also taking into consideration employment promotion of persons with intellectual disabilities. According to the new system, which came into effect on July 1, 1998, employers in the private sector are under obligation to fulfill an employment quota (of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities) of 1.8%, while special juridical persons must meet a quota of 2.1%.Agencies of national and local public bodies must meet a quota of 2.1%, and the education boards specified must meet a quota of 2.0% or greater.
      Moreover, to ensure obligations of employers associated with employing persons with disabilities are fairly met, a levy will be imposed on enterprises which have not attained their quota.Funds collected from levies will be reallocated to those employers employing persons with disabilities.

Leaflet for One-Month Campaign to Promote Employment of persons with Disabilities

Notice on Application for Benefit for Employing Persons with Disabilities

B.	Promotion of vocational rehabilitation

Arrangement for vocational counseling and employment service have been strengthened by appointing specialized officers or counselors and, as necessary, a sign language collaborator at the Public Employment Security Office.In addition, regional Vocational Centers for persons with disabilities provide work evaluation and other specialized services, while Employment Support Centers for Persons with Disabilities Foundation provide detailed support at the municipal level.
      With a view to promoting comprehensive rehabilitation services, the Vocational Rehabilitation Centers (in Tokorozawa and Kibi Kogen), the Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Center, and the National Institute of Vocational Rehabilitation have been established and put into operation.

National Institute of Vocational Rehabilitation

C.	Assistance for Persons with Disabilities

Human Resources Development Centers for the Disabled are established, training allowances are paid, and workplace adaptation training is conducted.

D.	Assistance for employers

1.	Grants for encouraging the employment of persons with disabilities are paid, and expenses for entrusting enterprises with programs for workplace adaptation training are paid.

2.	Various grants are paid to foster an employment environment conducive to persons with disabilities, under the Levy and Grant System for persons with disabilities.

3.	Preferential tax treatment is given to establishments employing persons with disabilities.

4.	Grants for the continued employment of persons with disabilities to ensure the continued employment of workers who became disabled after they were employed by an enterprise.