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NDL and Ito Chu Foundation Announce Special Training Session on Promoting Reading Accessibility in Tokyo
TOKYO, Japan – May 15, 2025 – The National Diet Library (NDL) International Library of Children’s Literature (ILCL), in collaboration with the Ito Chu Foundation, is set to host a special training session focused on promoting reading accessibility. According to an announcement published on the NDL’s Current Awareness Portal at 09:24 JST on May 15, 2025, this important event titled “To Promote Reading Accessibility” (読書のバリアフリーをすすめるために) is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on June 22nd.
This collaborative training initiative highlights the growing importance of ensuring that reading materials and resources are available to everyone, including individuals with print disabilities such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or physical conditions that make reading conventional print difficult.
Addressing the Need for Accessible Reading
Reading accessibility, often referred to as “読書のバリアフリー” (dokushō no bariafurī) in Japanese, is a critical aspect of creating an inclusive society. It involves providing books and other reading materials in various formats – such as Braille, large print, audiobooks, digital accessible formats (like EPUB with specific features), and easy-to-read versions – to meet the diverse needs of readers.
Librarians, educators, welfare professionals, and even publishers play a crucial role in facilitating access to information and literature for individuals who cannot easily access standard print materials. This training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to better serve these communities.
What the Training Will Likely Cover
Based on the title and the focus on “promoting reading accessibility,” the special training session on June 22nd is expected to cover topics such as:
- Understanding the different types of print disabilities and the reading challenges they present.
- Exploring various accessible formats and technologies currently available.
- Best practices for libraries and institutions in providing accessible services and collections.
- Relevant legal frameworks and national initiatives related to reading accessibility in Japan.
- Methods for creating or adapting materials into accessible formats.
- Collaboration opportunities among different stakeholders (libraries, schools, welfare organizations, volunteers, families).
The session is likely targeted towards professionals working in libraries (especially public and school libraries), education, welfare services, and potentially volunteers or individuals interested in supporting readers with disabilities.
Collaboration Between NDL and Ito Chu Foundation
The partnership between the NDL’s International Library of Children’s Literature and the Ito Chu Foundation is significant.
- The National Diet Library (NDL), as Japan’s national library, plays a central role in collecting, preserving, and making available a vast range of information resources. The International Library of Children’s Literature (ILCL), a branch of the NDL, specifically focuses on children’s books and related resources, making it a key institution for promoting reading culture among the young. Its involvement underscores the importance of ensuring that children with disabilities are not left behind.
- The Ito Chu Foundation is known for its philanthropic activities, often supporting initiatives related to education, children, and culture. Their collaboration with the NDL ILCL on this specific topic demonstrates their commitment to social inclusion and supporting vulnerable populations through improved access to knowledge and reading.
Significance of the Event
This special training session represents a proactive step towards raising awareness and building capacity within relevant fields to address the challenges of reading accessibility. By bringing together professionals and providing specialized training, the organizers aim to foster a more inclusive environment where the joy, educational benefits, and informational power of reading are genuinely accessible to everyone in Japan.
While the initial announcement on the Current Awareness Portal provides the core details – the organizers, date, location, and topic – further information regarding the specific program schedule, speakers, venue details within Tokyo, and registration procedures would typically be available on the source webpage or linked pages.
This joint effort by a national library institution and a prominent foundation signifies a strong commitment to breaking down barriers to reading and promoting a society where literature and information are universally available.
【イベント】伊藤忠記念財団と国立国会図書館国際子ども図書館、特別研修「読書のバリアフリーをすすめるために」（6/22・東京都）
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