City on the Water

In June 1989, I flew from England to Sweden. The capital, Stockholm, is often called the “Venice of the North.” It is also known as the “City That Floats on the Water” and has a harbor that extends into its center. This city is built upon 14 islands linked by bridges and is crisscrossed by canals. The water is so pristine that you can swim and fish in the middle of the city. Forests and lakes surround it, and the air is fragrant with the scent of pine trees.

During my stay in Stockholm, I made a courtesy call on Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia at the Royal Palace. They are a friendly, charming couple. The king is actively involved in environmental protection, and the queen works hard for the sake of the disabled. … 

During our conversation, the queen shared her first impressions of Sweden. When she arrived there, she wondered why there seemed to be so many disabled people in the city. She later realized it was not that there were more disabled people living in Sweden but that they were integrated into society, enjoying an active public life made possible through facilities such as movie theaters and restrooms that have been specially designed to be barrier free.

Often referred to as normalization, such efforts were rooted in the idea that everyone—regardless of personal challenges—has a right to live a normal life with others. Based on this philosophy, Sweden has been striving to help the elderly and the physically and mentally challenged to live and participate fully in society.

All people have difficulties of one kind or another. No disability should be looked upon as that person’s fault or something to be ashamed of. Sweden directs her gentle gaze at humanity, always aiming to further improve society while questioning how to do so. …