As a continuation of the series of activities to mainstream disability inclusion in the 2026 - 2030 disaster risk reduction plan, following the event held in Hue City on May 29, 2025, ACDC, in collaboration with the Quang Nam Provincial Association of Persons with Disabilities, organized a technical meeting on the morning of May 30, 2025, in Tam Ky City. The meeting aimed to discuss the integration of support for persons with disabilities into Quang Nam Province’s DRR plan for the 2026 - 2030 period.
The event brought together nearly 30 participants, including leaders from provincial departments and agencies, as well as representatives of disabled persons’ organizations from various districts and towns across the province.
Photo: An expert delivered a presentation on mainstreaming disability support into the provincial disaster risk reduction plan
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hua Quoc Dung, Chairman of the Quang Nam Provincial Association of Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the significance of the event: “This is an opportunity for organizations of persons with disabilities and individuals with disabilities themselves to directly contribute their voices and perspectives, ensuring that their needs are integrated into the local disaster risk reduction plans for the 2026–2030 period. This activity not only enhances inclusiveness and social equity but also helps make the plans more practical, effective, and better aligned with the diverse realities of the community.”
The meeting featured in-depth discussions among representatives from the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, the Association of Persons with Disabilities, and local health authorities. Participants shared their insights on the implementation of disability support policies in current disaster risk reduction efforts, while also exchanging practical experiences and lessons learned from community-level initiatives.
Participants put forward recommendations on assessing and improving support for persons with disabilities in disaster prevention, response, and search and rescue activities
The stakeholders focused on assessing and improving support for persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction plans. This began with a review of past efforts under the 2021–2025 disaster risk reduction plan to identify both successes and limitations. Participants then shared practical experiences and challenges in supporting persons with disabilities during disaster preparedness, response, and search and rescue activities, drawing valuable lessons learned from those efforts. Finally, the meeting shifted to discussing and proposing concrete solutions tailored to the local context and the specific needs of persons with disabilities for the upcoming 2026–2030 plan, with the goal of ensuring future plans are more inclusive and comprehensive.
This technical meeting marked the first step in a series of activities aimed at promoting the effective implementation of disability-related policies in disaster risk management. In the coming months, a broader consultation meeting will be organized to gather additional input from relevant stakeholders, with the goal of finalizing a plan that is more comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable.
The overarching goal of these efforts is to build a safer community where no one is left behind when disasters strike - especially persons with disabilities.