Activity
On the morning of December 5, 2025, the Inclusion Festival 2025 took place in Quang Tri Province with the participation of more than 110 persons with disabilities, along with representatives from provincial departments and agencies. The event was organized within the framework of the Inclusion Project 1, Phase 3, implemented by the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) in coordination with the Provincial OPD. The Festival was held in response to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), under the theme: “Promoting an inclusive society for the progress of the community.”
A cultural singing and dancing performance presented by the Women with Disabilities Club in Quang Tri
The program was attended by Mr. Thai Vinh Lieu – Chairman of the Provincial OPD; Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh – Director of ACDC; Mr. Le Phu Son – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; together with representatives from the Department of Construction, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies.
The event opened with cultural performances, traditional dances, and aerobic dance routines praising the Communist Party and President Ho Chi Minh. The graceful “Ao dai” costumes and the lively atmosphere created a strong first impression, fostering excitement and connection throughout the Festival.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of ACDC Institute, delivers the opening remarks
In the opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of ACDC, emphasized: “Today’s Festival is a valuable opportunity for distinguished delegates and persons with disabilities to experience, interact, connect, share, and learn from one another, thereby contributing to the development of the community and social inclusion. In line with the spirit of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as affirmed by General Secretary To Lam, it is essential to shift from a purely medical care mindset to an inclusive social approach, ensuring that all persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and truly integrate into society.” This message was reiterated by the General Secretary during a meeting on the afternoon of December 3, 2025, at the Headquarters of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.
Within the program framework, the group discussion activity themed “Barrier-Free City” attracted significant attention from both government departments and persons with disabilities. Participating groups shared experiences and proposed solutions to promote inclusion across five key sectors: healthcare, education, construction, transportation, and communication. Mr. Nguyen Tan Phuong, Deputy Head of the Transport Management Division of the Department of Construction of Quang Tri Province, stated: “Participating in this morning’s event has helped me better understand the resilience and contributions of persons with disabilities. The activities were not only enjoyable but also highly meaningful for both persons with and without disabilities. The construction sector will continue to accompany persons with disabilities to promote a more inclusive society.”
Participants enthusiastically take part in the wheelchair mobility game, helping to promote the spirit of inclusion and encourage the active participation of persons with disabilities in community activities
The experiential activity “Walking in Each Other’s World” offered participants authentic insights into the journeys of persons who are blind, deaf, or have mobility impairments. Participants directly experienced navigating in wheelchairs, being blindfolded while overcoming obstacles, or communicating using sign language. These experiences helped deepen the understanding of the barriers persons with disabilities face in accessing living spaces and social services. Ms. Phan Thi Huong, a participant with a disability, shared: “Thank you to the project and the Association for giving me the opportunity to sing, dance, and meet everyone. I hope there will be more activities like this so that persons with disabilities like us can meet, share, learn from one another, and grow together.”
Alongside the interactive activities, exhibition booths featuring handicrafts, knitted items, handmade products, and food made by women with disabilities attracted considerable interest from delegates and guests. These displayed products reflected creative labor efforts while demonstrating the aspiration for independence and the capacity of persons with disabilities to contribute to socio-economic development. The Inclusion Tree, where participants shared wishes, messages, and hopes for a barrier-free society, created a warm and highly connected image as the program drew to a close.
Project leaders, representatives, project staff, and participants with disabilities gather for a commemorative group photo
The Inclusion Festival 2025 became a space that brought the community closer together, amplified the voices of persons with disabilities, and spread the spirit of inclusion. The event also reaffirmed the shared commitment of government agencies, organizations, and the wider community to building an inclusive society truly dedicated to the progress of all.
Translator: Thuy Hai
