{"id":10713,"date":"2026-07-06T17:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T08:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/?p=10713"},"modified":"2026-07-06T20:06:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T11:06:55","slug":"spending-a-day-at-a-tokyo-day-support-center-reflections-on-inclusive-design-and-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/spending-a-day-at-a-tokyo-day-support-center-reflections-on-inclusive-design-and-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Spending a Day at a Tokyo Day-Support Center: Reflections on Inclusive Design and\u00a0Communication\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"smk-summary-box\">\n<h3 class=\"smk-summary-title\"><span class=\"smk-summary-icon\">\u2736<\/span>Article Summary<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"smk-summary-list\">\n<li>Uism volunteers visited Kururu Ebisu to participate in a full-day program serving 12 members with intellectual disabilities, observing their daily care and participating in a myriad of activities administered by professional staff.<\/li>\n<li>Spoken words are only part of the story; choices, hesitations, repeated actions, and facial expressions provide crucial evidence about user experience. Researchers must consider nonverbal cues, especially when verbal reports are limited, to gain deeper, holistic insights. <\/li>\n<li>In inclusive design, it is necessary to understand the holistic experience of a person&#8217;s family, caregivers, staff, and the physical and digital environments in context for full understanding. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On June 25th, 2026,\u00a0the\u00a0Uism\u00a0team\u00a0visited\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.yuaigakuen.or.jp\/office\/kururu-ebisu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Kururu Ebisu\">Kururu Ebisu<\/a>,\u00a0a\u00a0day-support\u00a0center\u00a0in Shibuya\u00a0Ward\u00a0that provides daily activities and\u00a0care-taking\u00a0for people with\u00a0intellectual disabilities\u00a0that require a higher level of support. This\u00a0visit\u00a0was\u00a0made possible via the\u00a0local social welfare center,\u00a0the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vcshibuya.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Shibuya Volunteer Center\">Shibuya Volunteer Center<\/a>.\u00a0Kururu\u00a0Ebisu is a facility where individuals spend their daytime hours engaging in various programs such as creative activities, physical exercise, music, and gardening. Daily activities are tailored to each user&#8217;s condition and interests, with staff members carefully supporting\u00a0each individual&#8217;s\u00a0unique way of participating.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uism&nbsp;also conducts research and&nbsp;evaluation&nbsp;related to accessibility and inclusive design. When considering the usability of products and services, it is imperative to understand the environment in which the individuals interact, who they are with, how they express their intentions, and the type of support they receive, rather than just focusing on the features or interface.&nbsp;This visit to&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu was not charity work or some one-sided offer.&nbsp;Rather, it allowed us to be welcomed into the everyday environment of the people at&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu, spending time together and rethinking communication, participation, support, and the environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Daily Activities at Kururu Ebisu&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We arrived early at the facility to introduce ourselves both to the staff and attending members. These members, 12 in total for the day, had arrived by bus from around the Shibuya ward. As one of the staff mentioned, it was rare for them to&nbsp;welcome outside visitors, so we imagined&nbsp;the excitement&nbsp;or nervousness from meeting new people. We were pretty&nbsp;nervous&nbsp;ourselves, initially unsure how the day would go, but our nervousness was soon dashed by the warm, eager greetings we received from&nbsp;the professional staff and&nbsp;some of the more outgoing members!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the first activity, everyone warmed their bodies up with radio exercises, a classic Japanese start to the day. With that finished, it was time to separate into groups for activities.&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu divides its days into 3 \u201cperiods\u201d with 1<sup>st<\/sup>&nbsp;and 2<sup>nd<\/sup>&nbsp;period lasting an hour and 3<sup>rd<\/sup>&nbsp;period wrapping up the day in half an hour, with a long break for&nbsp;lunch in&nbsp;between 1<sup>st<\/sup>&nbsp;and 2<sup>nd<\/sup>&nbsp;period.&nbsp;Uism&nbsp;members&nbsp;participated&nbsp;in as many activities as possible, and we separated our group&nbsp;so that at least one person would be able to join every activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step smb-step\"><div class=\"smb-step__body\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free smb-step__item\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__title\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__number\"><\/div><span>Activities in the Sunflower Field<\/span><\/div><div class=\"smb-step__item__body\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__summary is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1<sup>st<\/sup>&nbsp;period, one group went to the nearby garden to weed and&nbsp;tend&nbsp;to the sunflowers while the other group stayed inside for music time. The sunflower group had the opportunity to chat with the members,&nbsp;learning&nbsp;of their&nbsp;interests&nbsp;and&nbsp;observing&nbsp;how they tackled their tasks in the garden with gusto.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u7551-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10691\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4993109784106569;object-fit:cover;width:750px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u7551-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u7551-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u7551-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u3072\u307e\u308f\u308a\u7551.png 1275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"sme-text-color has-sm-dark-gray-color\"><em>Participants and staff of Kururu Ebisu weeding and tending to plants in the field.<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon smb-balloon\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__person\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\u6d45\u5ddd \u6709\u6bc5 - Yuki Asakawa\" class=\"wp-image-491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Yuki.jpg 1325w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__name\">Yuki Asakawa<\/div><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__body is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>One person I was walking with wasn&#8217;t too communicative, but she did tell me she loved coffee. Every caf\u00e9 or vending machine we passed on our way to the garden, she would point at with a lot of energy. She also liked Sailor Moon and was happy to show me her Sailor Moon socks<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free smb-step__item\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__title\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__number\"><\/div><span>Natural Interactions Emerging Through Music Activities<\/span><\/div><div class=\"smb-step__item__body\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__summary is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The music group instead sang songs and played instruments together. Everyone had the chance to play a variety of instruments and it was clear who had their favorites. There was a sense of cooperation and camaraderie among the members though, and they were happy to interact and \u201cjam out\u201d together with us. The staff were especially coordinated, and skilled. The main coordinator for the activity used to be a music teacher and she conducted the class with patience and adaptability, allowing all members to participate comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u97f3\u697d-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10690\" style=\"width:750px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u97f3\u697d-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u97f3\u697d-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u97f3\u697d-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u97f3\u697d.png 1275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"sme-text-color has-sm-dark-gray-color\"><em>Participants and staff sitting in a circle and engaging in music activities using drums, keyboard instruments, piano, and other instruments.<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon smb-balloon\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__person\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\u30df\u30e9\u30fc\u30fb\u30ed\u30b9 - Ross Miller\" class=\"wp-image-2420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Ross.jpg 1334w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__name\">Ross Miller\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__body is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I used to teach in Japan, so&nbsp;I\u2019m&nbsp;used to seeing student-teacher ratios upwards of 40 to 1. But in this setting, it struck me how crucial care personalized to&nbsp;each individual&nbsp;is, implying a need for a&nbsp;lower ratio. I counted the staff at&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu, and&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;wonderful to see them&nbsp;operating&nbsp;with a high number, almost 2-1 ratio.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free smb-step__item\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__title\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__number\"><\/div><span>Individuality and Choice Revealed Through Creative Activities<\/span><\/div><div class=\"smb-step__item__body\"><div class=\"smb-step__item__summary is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-step-item-free-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The afternoon activities were divided into light physical stretching and two artistic activities,&nbsp;painting&nbsp;and embroidery. During lunch we had the chance to walk around and view the&nbsp;works of&nbsp;art displayed on the wall and the crafted bags or other&nbsp;accessories. The artwork was incredibly profound with vivid blends of colors.&nbsp;The members\u2019 names were&nbsp;displayed&nbsp;under their work, allowing us&nbsp;connect&nbsp;the art to the individual and giving us a wealth of information on&nbsp;how their personality and inner workings are translated to canvas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-a44c86a2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-ecb84aab wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10687\" style=\"width:490px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f2.png 400w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f2-218x300.png 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"sme-text-color has-sm-dark-gray-color\">A participant placing an embroidery hoop over red fabric and working on detailed embroidery with a needle and thread.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10688\" style=\"width:490px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f.png 400w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u523a\u7e4d\u306e\u5236\u4f5c\u98a8\u666f-218x300.png 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"sme-text-color has-sm-dark-gray-color\"><em>A participant placing an embroidery hoop over denim fabric and stitching patterns with colorful threads.<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon smb-balloon\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__person\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\u4f50\u85e4 \u611b\u8863 - Mei Sato\" class=\"wp-image-2418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Mei.jpg 1334w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__name\">Mei Sato\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__body is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I was&nbsp;assisting&nbsp;a woman, handing her threaded needles to use. Once she finished sewing,&nbsp;she\u2019d&nbsp;hand&nbsp;the needle back to me.&nbsp;So&nbsp;I\u2019d&nbsp;let her choose the color of the thread&nbsp;she\u2019d&nbsp;like to use next and thread it for her. When I asked, \u2018Which color would you like next?\u2019&nbsp;she\u2019d&nbsp;peek inside the basket and choose without hesitation. I was impressed by how she selected colors evenly from the wide selection to create a balanced piece.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Reflection<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"550\" data-id=\"10692\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u5236\u4f5c.png\" alt=\"Several sheets of paper, including newspaper, painted solid yellow and arranged on a worktable.\" class=\"wp-image-10692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u5236\u4f5c.png 400w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u5236\u4f5c-218x300.png 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"550\" data-id=\"10686\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u5ba4\u5185\u306e\u6c34\u8015\u683d\u57f9.png\" alt=\"A participant tending to hydroponic plants in front of shelves with plants and grow lights.\" class=\"wp-image-10686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u5ba4\u5185\u306e\u6c34\u8015\u683d\u57f9.png 400w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u5ba4\u5185\u306e\u6c34\u8015\u683d\u57f9-218x300.png 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"10693\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Several colorful artworks made with fabric, paper, and three-dimensional materials displayed on a wall.\" class=\"wp-image-10693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u30a2\u30fc\u30c8\u30ae\u30e3\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"10684\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u4f53\u64cd-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Participants standing on mats indoors at Kururu Ebisu and doing stretching-like exercises with staff.\" class=\"wp-image-10684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u4f53\u64cd-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u4f53\u64cd-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u4f53\u64cd-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u4f53\u64cd.png 1275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What left an impression on us by the end of the day was how the members each expressed&nbsp;their intentions and interests in&nbsp;different ways. Some talked a lot, while others communicated&nbsp;more&nbsp;through facial expressions or gestures, pointing at things they like, reacting to sounds, choosing colors, repeating actions, or&nbsp;purposefully taking pause. These actions&nbsp;seemed to convey&nbsp;their intentions,&nbsp;concerns,&nbsp;comfort, anxiety, or joy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simultaneously, there was much to learn from the staff\u2019s&nbsp;engagement. They&nbsp;didn&#8217;t&nbsp;just&nbsp;push&nbsp;activity after activity,&nbsp;but&nbsp;observed&nbsp;each&nbsp;member&#8217;s condition and reactions, offering&nbsp;clarification, waiting,&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;distance, lending a hand, or providing&nbsp;alternatives. These small adjustments supported&nbsp;each&nbsp;members&#8217;&nbsp;participation&nbsp;and showed the attention taken on the granular level.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is more than&nbsp;\u201ccomprehensive support.\u201d&nbsp;<strong><span style=\"background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, rgba(255, 240, 151, 0.5) 60%)\" class=\"sme-highlighter\">Observing and aligning with&nbsp;a&nbsp;person&#8217;s pace and expression builds an environment where they can&nbsp;exist and&nbsp;participate&nbsp;comfortably.&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, a diagnosis or type of disability&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t&nbsp;define the person. Knowing specifics&nbsp;such as&nbsp;their love of&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sailor Moon,&nbsp;their&nbsp;favorite instrument in music, or&nbsp;their artistic skills and interests&nbsp;reveals their preferences, expressions, and talents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon smb-balloon\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__person\"><div class=\"smb-balloon__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kanaya_profile.png 1334w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__name\">Rinako Kanaya<\/div><\/div><div class=\"smb-balloon__body is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-balloon-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This volunteering experience helped me reflect on the assumptions I brought with me and reminded me of the importance of seeing each person beyond their diagnosis. I was also inspired by the creativity, artistic sensibility that many people demonstrated in their own areas of interest.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Insights for UX Research and Inclusive Design<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This visit reinforced that inclusive design doesn\u2019t start from abstract attributes or generalized needs. By experiencing people in real environments, we see how they spend their time, react, and participate. This context is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"smk-related-card\" data-url=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/accessibility-in-ux-research-considerations-and-practical-points-for-research-firms-2\/\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"smk-thumb\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"smk-thumb-placeholder\">\ud83d\udcc4<\/div>\n<div class=\"smk-content\">\n<p class=\"smk-label\">Related Article<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"smk-title\" href=\"#\">Loading&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"smk-caption\">UX research with people with disabilities requires thoughtful preparation, from communication methods to the research environment. See our related article, \u201cAccessibility in UX Research.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"smk-readmore\" href=\"#\">Read more \u2192<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Capturing Non-Verbal Reactions&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In UX research, spoken words are important but don\u2019t tell the whole story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:30px;border-top-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-left-radius:30px;border-bottom-right-radius:30px;background-color:#fff8d873;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\" class=\"wp-block-list has-border-color has-sm-lighter-gray-border-color has-background\">\n<li>What\u00a0is chosen? What\u00a0is avoided?\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What expressions do they make?\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What actions do they\u00a0take\u00a0or repeat?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These non-verbal reactions are essential for understanding&nbsp;an&nbsp;experience&nbsp;holistically. Particularly when dealing with users who find verbal explanations or traditional interviews challenging, researchers need not only questioning skills but the ability to&nbsp;observe, wait, and interpret environmental interactions.&nbsp;Even someone who can express themselves clearly with words can convey deeper&nbsp;insights when their actions and behaviors are taken into account.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Viewing Support Structures and Environments as Part of the Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accessibility isn&#8217;t just about the functionality of products or services. It includes family, caregivers, staff, the physical and digital environment, activity flow, and external cues or assistance. <strong><span style=\"background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, rgba(255, 240, 151, 0.5) 60%)\" class=\"sme-highlighter\">Evaluating or designing requires considering not just the person in isolation but the support structures and environments around them.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This perspective applies across various domains, including healthcare, welfare, education, public services, and digital products, which we extensively engage in. Instead of viewing the user as just an attribute or diagnosis, understanding how they live, express themselves, and engage in context reveals where inclusive design truly begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accessibility isn\u2019t solely about creating usable conditions. It&#8217;s about <strong><span style=\"background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, rgba(255, 240, 151, 0.5) 60%)\" class=\"sme-highlighter\">enabling and maintaining participation, choice, self-expression, and dignity.<\/span><\/strong> Continually exploring what is necessary for these aspects is crucial for those of us involved in UX research and inclusive design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"smk-related-card\" data-url=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/beyond-kindness-what-ux-for-older-adults-should-aim-to-design-for\/\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"smk-thumb\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"smk-thumb-placeholder\">\ud83d\udcc4<\/div>\n<div class=\"smk-content\">\n<p class=\"smk-label\">Related Article<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"smk-title\" href=\"#\">Loading&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"smk-caption\">This perspective also applies to UX for older adults, where design should support confidence, choice, and dignity\u2014not just ease of use. See our related article, \u201cAn Introduction to UX Design for Older Adults.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"smk-readmore\" href=\"#\">Read more \u2192<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-c261e4e4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By being welcomed into the daily activities at&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu, we gained significant insights and reflections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expressions and choices of the users, the attentive and flexible approach of the staff, and the naturally emerging communication within activities all&nbsp;provided&nbsp;valuable insights for considering inclusive design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 60%, rgba(162, 214, 193, 0.5) 60%)\" class=\"sme-highlighter\">We are deeply grateful to the staff and users of&nbsp;Kururu&nbsp;Ebisu,&nbsp;Shibuya Volunteer Center,&nbsp;and everyone who&nbsp;helped&nbsp;facilitate&nbsp;this opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u7d75\u306e\u30d7\u30ec\u30bc\u30f3\u30c8-1024x683.png\" alt=\"A pencil drawing of five people on a sheet of paper with the words \u201cAbout five volunteers came.\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-10689\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4992884813028697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u7d75\u306e\u30d7\u30ec\u30bc\u30f3\u30c8-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u7d75\u306e\u30d7\u30ec\u30bc\u30f3\u30c8-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u7d75\u306e\u30d7\u30ec\u30bc\u30f3\u30c8-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/\u7d75\u306e\u30d7\u30ec\u30bc\u30f3\u30c8.png 1275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span class=\"sme-text-color has-sm-dark-gray-color\">A heartwarming drawing gifted to us by one of the users.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As&nbsp;Uism, we intend to continue contributing to the creation of products and services that are easier to use and&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in by engaging with real people, places, and contexts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-sm-lightest-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-sm-lightest-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Related Links<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shibuya City Kururu Ebisu <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yuaigakuen.or.jp\/office\/kururu-ebisu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\ufffc\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"arrow-up-right-from-square\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-arrow-up-right-from-square \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M320 0c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32h82.7L201.4 265.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L448 109.3V192c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32s32-14.3 32-32V32c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32H320zM80 32C35.8 32 0 67.8 0 112V432c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80H400c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V320c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32s-32 14.3-32 32V432c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16H80c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16V112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16H192c17.7 0 32-14.3 32-32s-14.3-32-32-32H80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shibuya Volunteer Center, Shibuya City Council of Social Welfare <a href=\"https:\/\/vcshibuya.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\ufffc\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"arrow-up-right-from-square\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-arrow-up-right-from-square \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M320 0c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32h82.7L201.4 265.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L448 109.3V192c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32s32-14.3 32-32V32c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32H320zM80 32C35.8 32 0 67.8 0 112V432c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80H400c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V320c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32s-32 14.3-32 32V432c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16H80c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16V112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16H192c17.7 0 32-14.3 32-32s-14.3-32-32-32H80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/ux-research-strategy\/\" class=\"service-border-card-en\">\n  <h3 class=\"border-title-en\">UX Research &#038; Strategy<\/h3>\n  <p class=\"border-description-en\">Learn more about Uism\u2019s UX research services.<\/p>\n  <div class=\"border-link-en\">\n    <span>Learn More<\/span>\n    <svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\n      <path d=\"M5 12h14M12 5l7 7-7 7\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-section smb-section smb-section--fit\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"smb-section__inner\"><div class=\"c-container c-container--no-padding\"><div class=\"smb-section__contents-wrapper\"><div class=\"smb-section__body is-layout-constrained wp-block-snow-monkey-blocks-section-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"sme-font-size has-sm-l-font-size\"><strong><span style=\"color: #4c9f87\" class=\"sme-text-color\">Related Articles:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ukoUxcxlV5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/chance-chats-episode-2-the-temporarily-disabled-ux-research\/\">Chance Chats Episode\u00a02:\u00a0The\u00a0Temporarily Disabled\u00a0<\/a><\/blockquote><div class=\"c-responsive-container-16-9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cChance Chats Episode\u00a02:\u00a0The\u00a0Temporarily Disabled\u00a0\u201d \u2014 Uism\" src=\"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/chance-chats-episode-2-the-temporarily-disabled-ux-research\/embed\/#?secret=k3xepf4mxV#?secret=ukoUxcxlV5\" data-secret=\"ukoUxcxlV5\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Inclusive design also requires attention to forms of disability that may be temporary, situational, or easily overlooked. In \u201cChance Chats Episode 2: The Temporarily Disabled,\u201d we explore how temporary disabilities can reveal needs around independence, adaptation, and participation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Participating in the daily activities at Kururu Ebisu revealed the importance of understanding experiences that include non-verbal responses, support structures, and environments. The Uism team considers this from the perspectives of UX research and inclusive design. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":10714,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/?p=10676","footnotes":"","wp-seo-meta-description":"Participating in the daily activities at Kururu Ebisu revealed the importance of understanding experiences that include non-verbal responses, support structures, and environments. The Uism team considers this from the perspectives of UX research and inclusive design.","wp-seo-meta-robots":[]},"categories":[439],"tags":[165,201,346,441,442],"class_list":["post-10713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-a11y-inclusive-design","tag-ux-research","tag-accessibility","tag-inclusive-design","tag-intellectual-disabilities","tag-communication","en-US","c-entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10713"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10778,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10713\/revisions\/10778"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}