Quang Tri: Communication event on independent living and policies related to persons with disabilities

On June 8^th, 2023, ACDC collaborated with the Division of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Organization of Persons with Disabilities of Gio Linh district to organize a communication event on the topic of Independent Living and policies related to persons with disabilities at Trung Hai commune’s People’s Committee, Gio Linh district. Ms. Hoang Thi Lan, Deputy Head of Gio Linh District's Division of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, Mr. Hoang Dinh Ta, Vice Chairman of Trung Hai Commune People's Committee, and more than 40 persons with disabilities and their families attended the event.

During the event, participants were briefed by an official from the Division of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs on the national regulations regarding persons with disabilities as outlined in Decree No. 20/2021/ND-CP and Circular No. 01/2019/TT-BLDTBXH, such as monthly social allowance, health insurance, allowance for education, training, and vocational training, funeral expenses, and etc. Furthermore, the contents of independent living were facilitated by a TOT member who is also a person with disability. He introduced and shared with participants in a variety of ways, including games, images, films, and so on. As a result, they raised their awareness about persons with disabilities' independent living, realize what independent living is, the obstacles experienced by persons with disabilities, how to overcome barriers, and how to be more inclusive in the community.

At the end of the event, Ms. N.T.T, a family member shared: "My child has an intellectual disability. I will encourage my child to do the work within his ability and listen to his opinions. The topics today were very informative and helped me understand more knowledge about independent living to support my kid better."

Said Ms. T.T.H.T, a woman with disability: "Before, I wanted to know about the regulations related to persons with disabilities, particularly the procedure to change the level of disability, but didn't know who to ask. Today, I received a very enthusiastic response from the policy officer".

The activity is within the project “Raising Voices, Creating Opportunities” phase II, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by ACDC in Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam provinces.