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A conference to review the results of a project on expanding opportunities and improving the status for persons with disabilities for the 2021-2024 period was jointly organized by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of central Thua Thien-Hue province and the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) on August 14, VNA reported.

The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via ACDC with a total budget of more than VND 4.5 billion (USD 178,790).

In his remarks at the conference, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh suggested that units and localities in the province continue to promote communication work, along with the implementation of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's law on supporting people with disabilities.

At the review conference on August 14. Photo: ACDC

They were urged to replicate the models brought about by the project, devise plans to upgrade public and transport infrastructure to ensure the disabled's access to those facilities, improve the quality of health, educational and social services, and create an environment sensitive to those in need. Attention should also be paid to supervising the implementation of support policies for the target group, he added.

Ho Dan, deputy director of the provincial Department of Labar, Invalids and Social Affairs, said through its activities, the project has contributed to enhancing the disabled's knowledge and skills, improving their access to health and legal services, public works, and transport facilities, increasing their participation in family and society, and stepping up the implementation of policies on independent living, integration, and non-discrimination against people with disabilities.

He noted that over 3,000 persons with disabilities have benefited from the project during the three years. Specifically, 20 buses operated by Phuong Trang FUTA Busline Passenger Car Company are equipped with an integrated audio and video station advertising system to support people with disabilities in participating in traffic. Then 10 accessible bus routes, with 42 new vehicles, were put into operation for those with disabilities as well as locals.

This is the first time buses in Thua Thien Hue province are equipped with an accessible ramp system and priority areas for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. Moreover, 2 open-roof double-decker buses have been installed with accessible ramps for everyone, and 5 bus shelters are installed with accessibility features.

ACDC and Nguyen Thi Lan Anh received direction and a letter of commendation from the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province for their support and coordination efforts in supporting people with disabilities in the province. Photo: ACDC

The project also organized reproductive health check-ups for more than 300 disabled women, and four training courses on gender-based violence prevention and control for over 140 people with disabilities and caregivers. Also included were courses on independent living and integration for 131 disabled persons and their families. In additions, 832 people with disabilities received free legal consulting services; 90 households of people with disabilities were able to visit their homes, of which 40 households adjusted access in their own homes.

Looking back on the past journey as well as expectations in the coming time, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, director of ACDC said that ACDC has implemented projects to support people with disabilities in Thua Thien Hue province for many years, from 2015 and in the future, they are committed to maintaining and further developing the most meaningful and practical support activities for people with disabilities in the province.

In the coming time, she hopes that ACDC will continue to receive the attention and direction of the Provincial People's Committee, and the close cooperation of local agencies and departments to turn ideas and commitments into concrete actions, contributing to building an equitable and inclusive society for everyone.

Meanwhile, Pham Thi Kim Anh, a disabled person in Quang Dien district, shared before the conference that she was quite self-conscious and timid, not daring to express herself in front of people. But since participating in the project's activities, she felt like she has changed a lot. "I feel like I have gradually overcome my limits and become happier and more open. I changed my own approach to my own home."

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