Lan Phuong came down with scoliosis in grade 3. From then on, her family embarked on a new chapter of endless hospital visits. Her self-consciousness prevented her from stepping a foot outside. She was afraid of the curious look of everyone and the pointing fingers of children as they called her names like "Liu Yong" or "Hunchback Prime Minister". Those were the times Phuong wished to disappear from her life so that she would never have to hear such hurtful words again. Seeing her parents struggle and feeling self-conscious, she gave up on her dream of becoming a teacher and dropped out of school to help her parents.
However, life is full of unpredictability. The present-day Lan Phuong has grown out of the little girl who hid behind the door looking at her peers going to school. She is now a proud woman who stands before a crowded ballroom and gives her responses to the questions about Vietnamese policies and laws loud and clear. This was made possible thanks to the series of TOT trainings organized by ACDC as part of the project. She talked about the new turn in her career with pride and joy, "Ever since I got ill, it never occurred to me that I would be teaching one day. But these training sessions reignited my long-forgotten passion. With the support of my trainers and experts, I learned and worked hard on presentation skills, and discovered different approaches to teaching. I now found joy in having plenty of opportunities facilitating sessions and discussing with my members issues concerning persons with disabilities to help them integrate better into the society.”
Phuong has now represented Vietnam on local and international platforms, including a workshop in Thailand. Phuong also realized the importance of raising awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities at home. Along with the executive board of the provincial DPO and coordinated with the Department of Labour – Invalids and Social Affairs, the provincial Legal Aid Center, and ACDC, Phuong organized trainings on laws and policies. She also provided guidance to persons with disabilities on how to complete the application procedures for cash transfers, which is a legitimate benefit they are entitled to.
In the past, there were only a limited number of policies that persons with disabilities were entitled to, while the society seemed wary of and disfavored persons with disabilities. Nowadays, the efforts of persons with disabilities in improving their quality of life and ensuring social equality are backed by the Law on Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD as well as various programs carried out by organizations/groups of and for persons with disabilities. They are strong drivers for Vietnamese persons with disabilities to break free from their mental barriers and pursue their passions with courage. "Let's realize the dreams that we once abandoned. It was not until we make efforts to pursue our goals that success finds its way to us. I believe that opportunities are open to those who dare to dream and take action because a kite rises against, not with the wind", said Lan Phuong.
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