3
For the past decade,/Japan has been making progress/in creating a friendly environment for people with disabilities,/but there are still many challenges to overcome.//
For instance,/the entrances to restaurants often have steps/which divide the building from the outside area.//
It could be a barrier for people like me.//
Another problem is the accessibility of hotel rooms.//
In fact,/less than one percent of hotel rooms/are accessible for people in wheelchairs.//
I suggest/that if we meet these challenges,/we will have greater business opportunities.//
For example,/if you make your restaurant more accessible,/then you will have 10 percent more customers/because 10 to 15 percent of the world population is disabled.//
People with disabilities/tend not to travel alone.//
They often travel in groups or with families,/which would mean many more customers.//
Also,/I’ve been working with tour companies,/setting up training sessions for tour guides/which help them learn/how to support people in wheelchairs.//
If tourism supports more tourists with disabilities/and provides better services,/more people will come to Japan,/and that will support Japan’s economy.//
For the past decade,/