JSON

Types of Disability Certificates - JSON

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