Story of Change

[Today’s Stories Series] Story 2: Flowers Bloom on Barren Land

"I have always been aware of the need to strive forward, but it was only when I joined ACDC’s project that I truly understood I have the right to live freely and the full ability to take control of my own life. It was only then that I dared to think and dared to act."

[Today’s Stories Series] Story 1: When There Is Faith

As the Chairman of the Disabled Persons, Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims, and Social Protection Association in Dakrong District, a mountainous area of Quang Tri Province, Mr. Nguyen Ai Hoi has always been deeply concerned with the question: "How can persons with disabilities truly integrate and live an independent life?"

Spring in the Highland

Anyone who has visited the highlands during early spring surely still cherishes the scenery there. Spring arrives, reflected in the shapes of plants, the earth, the sky, and all living things.

Embrace opportunities and make your mark

As I put pen to paper and signed my very first employment contract, emotions overwhelmed me. After seven years of holding a bachelor's degree in my hands, I was finally recognized in a way that felt truly deserved. At last, the dream of working in my field was no longer a distant hope — even for a woman with a disability like me.

For a bright future

"In the past, I mainly moved around using a plastic chair and only stayed at home or occasionally went to my grandparents' house nearby, feeling self-conscious and not making friends with anyone. Now I can move around by myself using a wheelchair, have a knitting profession to create additional income and have made more friends. In my free time, I help my mother with household chores. I feel that my life has more meaning, happiness, and optimism."

Hearts full of aspiration

The Quang Tri Provincial Cultural and Arts Competition for Persons with Disabilities has come to an end, but the emotions and beautiful impressions from this meaningful event remain deeply in my heart as well as in the hearts of everyone who participated that day.

The beginning of a new life

“In the past, I couldn’t do anything for myself.. But in the present, I am capable of performing daily chores by myself such as bathing, doing personal hygiene, and able to assist my wife in simple household activities such as cleaning, cooking,… I feel very happy, satisfied, because my life has more significant meanings.”

From Self-doubt to Self-confidence

“In the past I felt very sad owing to lack of communication and isolated among friends, families because of my limitation in language. Now, I actively share my obtained knowledge to friends and families to let them understand how to express opinions, and my parents to know better about the children’s right and be more respect to my opinions”.

When going to the doctor is no longer a worry

"I am very worried about the cost of interpreting every time I visit the hospital for a check-up. This cost is quite large for people who have to visit periodically like me. Thanks to the sign language interpreting service, I am confident in communicating with doctors and understanding what they are saying.”

New Page of Life

“One time, when Lan Anh, her brothers, and her sisters from ACDC visited my house to see the independent living of people with disabilities, my life turned to a new page.”