Quang Nam: Quang Nam: Meeting to review and evaluate project implementation results

The objective of the event was to review and evaluate the results of the “Raising voices, creating opportunities Project, Phase II” project (2021-2024), while also gathering feedback and outcomes from beneficiaries with disabilities and related agencies involved in the project.

The event was attended by Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of the ACDC Institute and Project Director; Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Quang Nam Province and Head of the Project Management Board; and representatives from various agencies and units, including the Department/Division of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Planning and Investment, Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Department of Transport, Department of Construction, Legal Aid Center, and Provincial/District Associations of Persons with Disabilities.

Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Quang Nam Province and Head of the Project Management Board, highly commended the achievements of the ACDC Institute in supporting persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Quang Nam Province and Head of the Project Management Board, affirmed: "The project implementation process has achieved the objectives and results set by the Provincial People's Committee, thereby contributing to further enhancing opportunities and improving the status of persons with disabilities, as well as making practical contributions to ensuring social welfare in the province."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of ACDC and Project Director, stated: "With the aim of strengthening the implementation of policies for persons with disabilities, over the past three years, we have achieved many commendable results. Through these activities, thousands of persons with disabilities have participated and benefited, local officials have gained enhanced knowledge and skills to better support persons with disabilities, and the enforcement of related policies at both central and provincial levels has been promoted, thereby contributing to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all."

According to the report, from 2021 to 2024, the project in Quang Nam province has achieved significant milestones. Regarding the objective of promoting the implementation of policies on independent living, disability inclusion, and non-discrimination against persons with disabilities, the project has piloted an accessible bus system in the province. Specifically, 10 buses have been equipped with accessibility features; 02 accessible bus shelters have been designed, monitored, and installed; and 79 drivers, assistants, and managers from passenger transport units have received training on how to support persons with disabilities when using public transport. Building on the success of the previous phase, in this phase, one Transfer House model was established at the Medical Center of Tien Phuoc District. Capacity in gender-based violence prevention has also been strengthened, with 138 women with disabilities and their family members participating in training sessions. Additionally, 93 professionals from health, justice, legal aid sectors, and representatives of local associations and departments were trained on gender-based violence, with a focus on screening and case management skills.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of ACDC and Project Director, shared the results of the project implementation for the 2021-2024 period.

Regarding the objective of strengthening the capacity of government agencies in policy implementation, 78 commune-level health staff, social-cultural officers, and members of the Organization of Persons with disabilites have participated in capacity-building trainings on independent living, disability inclusion, and physical accessibility. These trainings have enabled them to provide in-home consultations for persons with disabilities. Notably, during the three years of project implementation, three accessibility assessment surveys were conducted, covering 338 public facilities and infrastructure projects. Significant achievements were also made in improving access to public healthcare and social services for persons with disabilities: 318 women received free reproductive health check-ups; 131 individuals were trained on disability inclusion and independent living; and 78 households were assessed and received counseling on independent living practices. Importantly, the project also enhanced disability counseling and legal aid services. By the end of the project, a total of 1,060 legal inquiries and support requests from persons with disabilities were received and addressed free of charge, covering various issues related to laws, policies, and entitlements.

In recognition of the project's efforts for the disability community in particular, and ACDC's broader contributions at the local level, during this mid-term review meeting, ACDC and the Director of ACDC were honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Nam Province. This award acknowledges their significant contributions to social work and their role in promoting the development of Quang Nam Province.

ACDC was honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of the Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee in recognition of its contributions to social work and the development of Quang Nam Province.

In addition to presentations on the project’s outcomes, delegates also listened to heartfelt reflections from provincial agencies and persons with disabilities in Quang Nam. Representing the local disability community, Mr. Hứa Quốc Dũng, Chairman of the Quang Nam Association of Persons with disability, expressed his appreciation for the project’s achievements. He shared: “When we first participated in the project activities, everything felt unfamiliar — from the language used to how the activities were organized and coordinated. Over time, I gradually became more familiar with the processes and was able to strengthen my own capacity, as well as that of other members of the Association. We deeply value and are grateful for the meaningful contributions that this project has brought, and we sincerely hope to see more activities and projects dedicated to persons with disabilities in Quang Nam Province.”

Mr. Hồ Quang Huy, Deputy Head of the Tam An Commune Health Station in Phu Ninh District, shared: "I would say the most significant change for me has been a shift in my awareness and mindset regarding interventions and support for persons with disabilities. Previously, I mainly focused on medical care and had not considered the aspects of inclusion and independent living. Now, I’ve come to understand that it is essential to pay attention to the barriers surrounding persons with disabilities—such as physical infrastructure, policies, access to information and communication, as well as societal attitudes and perceptions—because these are the real obstacles that hinder their participation."

Many delegates also agreed that the project has brought about significant changes in awareness and daily life — not only for persons with disabilities but also for staff and officials across relevant departments and agencies. They expressed hope that there would be follow-up activities to build on the project's success, so that even more persons with disabilities and stakeholders could benefit.

This activity is part of the project “Raising voices, creating opportunities Project – Phase II” in Quang Nam Province, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).