Ahead of the Enforcement of the "Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act" in April 2026, Organizations of Individuals and Families Affected by Higher Brain Dysfunction Release "+α Support Cards" and "Awareness Icons"

NPO Plus Alpha (Saitama City, Representative Director Yoko Kitano), an organization that disseminates information on mental health, has collaborated with the "NPO Iwate Higher Brain Dysfunction Tomonokai Ihatov" to create and release the "Higher Brain Dysfunction +α Support Card." Additionally, ahead of the enforcement of the "Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act" in April 2026, awareness icons that allow higher brain dysfunction to be recognized at a glance have also been released and are now on sale.

Background: "Invisible Disability" and the Enforcement of the New Law

・ Higher brain dysfunction is caused by traffic accidents or brain diseases, and because it is difficult to understand from outward appearance, it is also called an "invisible disability."

・ It is estimated that there are approximately 230,000 people nationwide, but the system was insufficient, making it difficult to access support.

・ The "Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act," which was enacted by a legislator in December 2025, will come into effect in April 2026.

・ This law aims to create a society where continuous support, from medical care and rehabilitation to daily life and social participation, can be received regardless of where one lives.

Overview of the "Higher Brain Dysfunction +α Support Card"

This is a tool to visualize things that are difficult to convey with words alone.

Available in two designs, vertical and horizontal, to fit card cases.

・ Design and Specifications: Business card size (approximately 54 x 85 mm), intended to be carried with a Help Mark. Available in two designs, vertical and horizontal, to fit card cases.

・ Content: There are checkboxes for typical symptoms such as memory impairment, attention disorder, executive dysfunction, and difficulty switching emotions (difficulty controlling emotions). The back side has a free entry field where individuals can describe their situation as needed.

・ How to Obtain: It can be downloaded for free from the "Children's Information Station" website operated by Plus Alpha, and anyone can use it.

Release and Sale of "Higher Brain Dysfunction Icons"

These are visual icons to make it easier to convey at a glance that someone has higher brain dysfunction.

The icons (illustration + words, illustration only, words only) are provided for a fee as a set with symptom cuts and can be used in leaflets, posters, training materials, etc. The proceeds will be used to continue awareness activities.

Example of icon usage. A flyer indicating the start of the law. Downloadable from the website.

Message from the Planners and Representatives (Excerpts)

From Rui Abe, Member of NPO Iwate Higher Brain Dysfunction Tomonokai Ihatov

"Even when we say 'higher brain dysfunction,' the symptoms and severity vary. The appeals made by those affected can sometimes be heavy and unwelcome, but I was shocked by Plus Alpha's pop art style and incisive expressions, so I contacted them. Among those affected and their families who face a disability that became fixed after a certain day, some suffer not only from the disability itself but also from the 'gap between before and after the injury.' I hope this can be an 'opportunity' for understanding."

From Representative Sachiko Horima

"This card was planned by the individuals themselves, driven by the feeling that 'the Help Mark alone does not convey our disability,' and was completed with a grant from the Iwate Prefecture Mental Health and Welfare Activities in Reiwa 7. Thanks to Plus Alpha's cute illustrations, it has become a wonderful card. It is also gratifying that it was completed coincidentally with the establishment of the Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act. Our wish is not only for those affected to be supported but also for a society where they can demonstrate their abilities, and we want those who hold this card to feel the resilience of those affected."

As an Extension of Previous Initiatives

Plus Alpha has previously collaborated with the Saitama City Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Center to create awareness sheets and leaflets using illustrations, and to hold exhibition projects for the general public.

"Learning about Higher Brain Dysfunction with Illustrations for Children and Adults" is published on the "Children's Information Station" website operated by Plus Alpha. It can be downloaded for free. In addition, cards to convey symptoms, leaflets for children with higher brain dysfunction, etc., are also available.

The continuous efforts to visually and clearly convey higher brain dysfunction, which is difficult to communicate with words alone, have led to this project.

The Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act advocates for continuous support, spreading understanding, and building regional support systems.

The cards and icons released this time are concrete tools that can be used in daily life by individuals affected, their families, and those in medical, welfare, and educational settings, as well as local government officials. We will carry out activities aimed at bringing the philosophy of the law to life in practice.

Related Links

"Higher Brain Dysfunction +α Support Card" Download Page https://kidsinfost.net/2026/01/14/support_card/

"Higher Brain Dysfunction Support Act" Explanation Page

https://kidsinfost.net/2026/01/17/higher-brain-dysfunction-law/

"Higher Brain Dysfunction Icon" Usage Guide / Purchase Page

https://pulusualuha.stores.jp/items/69678fe3a3a20ca4ac37271d

Collaborating Organization

NPO Iwate Higher Brain Dysfunction Tomonokai Ihatov

https://sites.google.com/view/npoihatov-adajio