NPO Releases 'Support Card' and 'Awareness Icon' with Patient/Family Groups Ahead of the April 2026 Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Law

NPO Purusuaruha (Saitama City; Representative Director Yoko Kitano), an organization that disseminates mental health information, has created and released the 'Higher Brain Dysfunction +α Support Card' in collaboration with 'NPO Iwate Higher Brain Dysfunction Friends Association Kenji'. Furthermore, ahead of the enforcement of the 'Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Law' in April 2026, they have also released and started selling an awareness icon that makes higher brain dysfunction recognizable at a glance.

Background: 'Invisible Disabilities' and the Enforcement of the New Law - Higher brain dysfunction is triggered by traffic accidents or brain diseases, and because it is difficult to recognize from outward appearance, it is also known as an 'invisible disability'. - It is estimated that there are approximately 230,000 affected individuals nationwide, but due to an inadequate system, it has been difficult to connect them to necessary support. - The 'Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Law', enacted by member's bill in December 2025, will go into effect in April 2026. - This law aims to create a society where individuals can receive seamless support, from medical care and rehabilitation to daily life and social participation, regardless of where they live.

Overview of the 'Higher Brain Dysfunction +α Support Card' This is a tool to visualize things that are difficult to convey with words alone. [Image: Deployed in two designs, vertical and horizontal, to fit card cases.] - Design and Specifications: Business card size (approx. 54 x 85 mm), intended to be carried alongside the Help Mark. It comes in two designs, vertical and horizontal, to fit card cases. - Content: It features a checklist of typical symptoms such as memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and difficulty switching moods (difficulty in emotional control). The back is a free-text field where users can convey their specific situation as needed. - How to obtain: It can be downloaded for free from the 'Children's Information Station' website operated by Purusuaruha, and can be utilized by anyone.

Release and Sale of the 'Higher Brain Dysfunction Icon' A visual icon to easily convey at a glance that someone has a higher brain dysfunction. [Image] The icons (illustration + text, illustration only, text only) are provided for a fee as a set with symptom cutouts, and can be used in leaflets, posters, training materials, and more. The proceeds will be used to continue awareness-raising activities.