Activity
From 9 – 11 July 2026, the Action to the Community Development Institute ( ACDC), in collaboration with the Association in Support of Vietnamese Handicapped and Orphans in Hue City, representatives of the Commune/Ward Department of Culture and Social Affairs, and local Commune Health Stations, completed prosthetic and orthotic fitting sessions for more than 80 persons with disabilities and victims of Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in 11 communes and wards across Hue City, including: A Luoi 1, A Luoi 2, A Luoi 3, A Luoi 4, A Luoi 5, Phong Thai, Phong Dien, Phu Bai, Thanh Thuy, Dan Dien, and Quang Dien.
This activity followed the screening, assessment, and measurement sessions conducted from 15–17 May 2026 for persons with disabilities and Agent Orange victims requiring prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices. Based on the measurements collected, technicians from Da Nang Hospital of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation manufactured customized prosthetic and orthotic components tailored to each beneficiary.
During the fitting sessions, beneficiaries tried their prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices under the close supervision of rehabilitation technicians. Most beneficiaries reported feeling comfortable and satisfied with the products. Many also noted that the new prosthetic limbs were lighter, more flexible, and easier to use than the devices they had previously been using. However, several cases required further gait adjustments and fine-tuning to ensure the devices matched each individual's physical condition.
Mr. D.T.V., a person with a disability from Quang Dien Commune, shared emotionally: "This is the first time I have used this orthotic device. Before receiving it, my foot often scraped against the floor and uneven ground whenever I walked, which greatly affected my gait. Today, thanks to the support of the project, ACDC, and the technicians who guided me in using the device, I feel much more stable when walking. My steps are easier and safer. I sincerely thank everyone involved in the project because, once the device is finalized, I will be able to use it in my daily life."
Ms. N.T.C., a person with a disability from Phu Bai Ward, shared: "I lost one arm near the shoulder joint. Although I visited many medical facilities, I was never able to receive a prosthetic arm. I am very happy to receive support from this project. Even though it is a cosmetic prosthesis, it will help improve my appearance and give me greater confidence."
Ms. H.T.Y., a person with a disability from A Luoi 5 Commune, said: "I have been using my prosthetic leg for more than ten years, and the foot component has completely worn out, so I have been walking without a proper prosthetic foot. I am very happy that the project is providing me with a new one. This prosthetic leg is much lighter and far easier to walk with. I sincerely appreciate the support from the project."
Based on the fitting results, the project team, together with orthotic and prosthetic technicians from Da Nang Hospital of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, will complete the final adjustments to ensure that each prosthetic limb and orthotic device meets technical, durability, aesthetic, and safety standards. Once the products satisfy all technical requirements, ACDC and the technical team will deliver the completed prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices to beneficiaries, enabling them to use the devices in daily mobility, everyday activities, and participation in community life.
This activity is part of the project “Livelihood Support and Quality of Life Improvement for Persons with Disabilities and Agent Orange Victims in Hue City”, funded by Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) through ACDC.
Translator: Nguyen Dac Thanh
