— Recognized for inclusive initiatives through original training materials, ICT support, and specialized dietary accommodations —
KIDSPRO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Arakawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tetsuro Okada), the operating company of Sloth Cafe, is proud to announce that on March 25, 2025, it was officially certified as a “Mental Barrier-Free Exemplary Company” under the program promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
■ What is a “Mental Barrier-Free Exemplary Company“?
“Mental Barrier-Free” refers to the practice of removing social barriers for people with disabilities, the elderly, and others requiring assistance through empathetic understanding and natural communication. This certification recognizes companies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to promoting and implementing these principles.
■ Evaluation Highlights (from the official commendation)
Our activities were recognized with the following feedback:
“The company creates its own training materials to promote ‘mental barrier-free’ awareness. They prioritize natural communication and mutual understanding, applying these insights to tailored ICT support, specialized dietary accommodations, and inclusive customer service. We look forward to the further expansion of their community contribution efforts based on the expertise gained through their internal initiatives and practical accommodations.”
■ Key Initiatives
KIDSPRO practices “Mental Barrier-Free” principles through our programming education and café businesses via three key steps:
- Mindset Transformation via Original Training Materials
Using our self-developed “Mental Barrier-Free Awareness Quiz,” all employees align their understanding of accessibility. When challenges arise, causes are immediately analyzed and preventive measures are shared across the company to continuously update our collective awareness. - Removing “Barriers to Learning” through ICT
In addition to individual instruction for students with developmental disabilities, we strive to provide an equitable learning environment by leveraging technology, such as eye-tracking input for those with physical disabilities and VoiceOver screen-reading support for the visually impaired. - Providing a “Space” Where Everyone Feels at Home
Our café removes physical and psychological barriers by accommodating wheelchairs and buggies and offering pureed meals for those with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). We foster community connections through social experience programs for children with disabilities, vocational training, and “Gochamaze (Inclusive) Live” music events.
■ Message from the CEO
“We believe that disability is not a personal issue, but a result of barriers within social structures. We have worked to dismantle these walls one by one through the power of ICT, food, and education. Encouraged by this certification, we will continue to apply our expertise to realize a warm, inclusive community where everyone feels comfortable saying, ‘We’re all in this together to help each other out.'”
【Inquiries regarding this matter】
KIDSPRO Co., Ltd.
Address: 5-3-9 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo / 95-10 Yatsukakamicho, Soka-shi, Saitama
URL: https://kidspro.kidsprogram.co.jp
Contact: Tetsuro Okada