This English page is currently under development.We have provided an overview of our activities and mission below.More detailed information will be available soon. Thank you for your understanding.
1. Our Mission
We recognize that audio information provided in many aspects of society does not sufficiently reach everyone. We consider this to be an important social issue.
In transportation systems, public facilities, education, healthcare, disaster management, and entertainment, information is often delivered primarily through sound. However, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, accessing essential information can be difficult in many situations.
Our goal is to create a society in which audio information is accessible to everyone—what we define as “Audio Information Accessibility.”
To achieve this, we promote efforts to improve acoustic environments and utilize assistive listening systems to make sound easier to hear. At the same time, we support multimodal information delivery, including sign language and text, to ensure accessibility depending on the situation.
Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to a society where everyone can access the information they need.
●What We Mean by “Audio Information Accessibility”
“Audio Information Accessibility” refers to improving situations in which people have difficulty accessing information conveyed through sound, and ensuring that everyone can receive necessary audio information more easily.
Traditionally, these efforts have been described using terms such as “reasonable accommodation” or “information support” in Japan. However, the specific methods and target users have not always been clearly defined.
We define “Audio Information Accessibility” as a comprehensive concept for realizing a society where audio information is accessible to all, and we work to promote and implement this concept.
●Key Use Cases
Visualizing audio information through captions or sign language for people who cannot hear
Delivering audio directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants using assistive listening systems
Providing clear audio via headphones or earbuds in noisy environments
Ensuring reliable audio delivery for people who are blind or have low vision
Offering multilingual audio or captions for people whose native language differs from the broadcast language
2. Message from the Representative Director
We are working to address the important social issue that audio information is not sufficiently accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In many public environments, such as transportation systems and facilities, essential information is delivered through audio announcements. However, in noisy environments, it is often difficult for people with hearing difficulties to obtain the information they need, leading to inconvenience and anxiety.
To address this challenge, we promote improvements in acoustic environments and the introduction of appropriate audio information delivery systems.
We aim to create a society where everyone—regardless of differences in hearing—can live with confidence and participate fully.
We will continue our efforts toward realizing this vision.
Hideki Yoshioka
Representative Director / President
3. Our Activities
●Information Dissemination
We share the latest trends, case studies, policies, and technologies related to audio information accessibility through publications, our website, and events, aiming to raise awareness and promote understanding across society.
●Research and Analysis
We conduct research on technologies, systems, and real-world usage related to audio information accessibility. By analyzing domestic and international developments, we identify challenges and propose directions for solutions.
●Pilot Projects (Demonstrations)
We conduct pilot implementations of assistive listening systems in real environments such as public facilities, transportation systems, educational settings, and events. These projects help identify technical and operational challenges and contribute to real-world deployment.
●Implementation Support
We support organizations and facilities in introducing audio information accessibility solutions. This includes system design, equipment selection, and alignment with relevant policies, always from the user’s perspective.
●Operational Support
We assist with stable operation and continuous improvement after implementation. Through operational design, documentation, and training, we help ensure effective use in real settings.
●Human Resource Development
We develop professionals who can lead audio information accessibility initiatives. Through training programs, courses, and educational materials, we aim to strengthen expertise across the field.
4. How to Get Involved
We welcome participation from a wide range of stakeholders who are interested in advancing audio information accessibility.
We aim to collaborate with:
People who are deaf or hard of hearing, including those with LiD/APD
Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss or age-related hearing loss
People with visual impairments who rely on audio information
Advocacy and support organizations
Medical and rehabilitation professionals (e.g., doctors, speech-language-hearing therapists)
Facility operators (transportation, public facilities, halls, theaters, stadiums, arenas, etc.)
Educational, medical, governmental, and tourism-related institutions
Policymakers and public sector stakeholders
Disaster prevention and evacuation system providers
Assistive listening system manufacturers
Hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers
Companies in audio, communication, broadcasting, and IT fields
Event and entertainment industry professionals
Researchers and educatorsParticipation (Planned)
We are preparing several ways to participate, including:
Membership (corporate, organizational, and individual)
Participation in symposiums and research meetings
Collaboration in pilot projects
Sharing case studies and challenges
Participation in joint research and projects