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Types of Disability Certificates

In Japan, three types of disability certificates are issued according to the type of disability: Physical Disability Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Handbook, and Rehabilitation Notebook (Ai no Techō). Each has different eligible disabilities, grade criteria, application offices, and available support. The Physical Disability Certificate covers physical functional disabilities, the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Handbook covers mental functional disabilities, and the Rehabilitation Notebook covers intellectual disabilities. Each certificate provides support such as disability deductions, public transportation discounts, and various welfare services.

disability certificate physical disability certificate mental disability handbook rehabilitation notebook welfare system disability welfare
code slug name description applicationOffice grades legalBasis renewal targetAge targetDisabilities
physical physical-disability-certificate Physical Disability Certificate A certificate issued to individuals with physical functional disabilities. Disability Welfare Section of Municipal Offices Grade 1 to 7 (issuance target: Grades 1-6) Physically Disabled Persons' Welfare Act None in principle (re-evaluation if improvement is expected) 18 years and older ["Visual impairments","Hearing and balance disorders","Speech and chewing disorders","Physical disabilities","Heart, kidney, and respiratory disorders","Bladder, rectum, and small intestine disorders","HIV-related immune disorders","Liver function disorders"]
mental mental-disability-handbook Mental Disability Health and Welfare Handbook A handbook issued to individuals whose daily or social life is restricted due to mental disorders. Disability Welfare Section of Municipal Offices Grade 1 to 3 Mental Health and Welfare for Persons with Mental Disabilities Act Required (every 2 or 3 years) 18 years and older (at least 6 months since initial diagnosis) ["Schizophrenia","Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)","Epilepsy","Drug addiction","Higher brain dysfunction","Developmental disorders (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities)","Stress-related disorders","Other mental disorders"]
rehabilitation rehabilitation-notebook Rehabilitation Notebook (Ai no Techō) A notebook issued to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Child Consultation Center (under 18), Intellectual Disability Rehabilitation Consultation Center (18 and over) A1, A2 (severe), B1, B2 (moderate to mild), etc. (varies by municipality) Prefectural and designated city ordinances (operated by each local government) Required (valid for 2 years, varies by municipality) Primarily under 18 years (varies by region) ["Intellectual disability (profound: IQ 20 or below)","Intellectual disability (severe: IQ 21-35)","Intellectual disability (moderate: IQ 35-50)","Intellectual disability (mild: IQ 51-70)"]

A list of three types of disability certificates issued in Japan.