An online study session on toilet accessibility with Abilities Care-net

On 22 August 2025, we welcomed Hatsue Goto (後藤初枝) of Abilities Care-net Co., Ltd. for an online study session on “Rethinking Toilets in Society.”

Goto works on accessible design and environments at the company’s registered first-class architectural practice, the Barrier-Free Design and Architecture Research Institute. She introduced examples including smart toilets, a temporary diaper-changing facility at Barrier Free 2025, and ceiling-track hoists.

Through concrete examples, we considered how to create toilets that are easy to use regardless of age or disability, not only in hospitals and care facilities but also in public facilities and communities.

Collaboration on care hoists at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

In addition to this study session, we worked with Abilities Care-net on improving toilet environments at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

The company loaned its “Sunlift Mini” mobile hoists to a project in which our representative, Hiroshi Yagi, was involved in planning. The project created an environment in which care hoists could be used at the Expo’s East and West Accessibility Centers.

Thinking about toilets in society supports not only continence care but also outings and social participation. It was valuable time spent considering with participants how facilities and assistive equipment can be incorporated into society.

Thank you to our speaker, Hatsue Goto, and everyone who participated.

Event details

Title
Rethinking Toilets in Society
Through Examples of Accessibility

Speaker
Hatsue Goto (後藤初枝)
Abilities Care-net Co., Ltd.
Barrier-Free Design and Architecture Research Institute, registered first-class architectural practice

Date and time
Friday, 22 August 2025
20:00–21:30

Format
Online via Zoom

Participation fee
Free

Capacity
100 participants

Organizer
Omutsu Johokyoku (Adult Diaper Information Center Japan)