Quang Tri: Seminar Sharing experience in monitoring the implementation of policies related to persons with disabilities

The Seminar had the presence of Ms. Le Thi Thuy Huong – Program Management Specialist of the Reconciliation and Inclusive Development Office, U.S. Agency For International Development (USAID); Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh – Director of ACDC; Mr. Thai Vinh Lieu – Head of the Project Management Board – Chairman of Quang Tri Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD); Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi – Deputy Director of Quang Nam Department of Labors, Invalids and Social Affairs - Head of the Project Management Board; Mr. Hua Quoc Dung - Chairman of Quang Nam OPD, Mr. Truong Dinh Be – Vice Chairman of Thua Thien Hue OPD; Mr. Hoang Trong Quy – Deputy Director of the Department of Health of Thua Thien Hue province; Mr. Tran Van Thinh - Deputy Director of the Department of Health of Quang Tri province; and other relevant officials.

Delegates in the Seminar: Sharing experience in monitoring the implementation of policies related to persons with disabilities

At the Seminar, delegates were informed about ACDC's policy advocacy activities within the framework of the project "Raising voices, creating the opportunities for persons with disabilities in the 2021-2024 period" and updating the project's achieved indicators in 3 targeted provinces. The presentation showed that ACDC closely coordinated with relevant Ministries/Departments/Units to support during the process of surveying, researching, and making dossiers to amend the Law on Disability, and developing a report on the assessment of the impact of the proposed policy amendments in the Law on Persons with Disabilities.

Opening remarks by Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh – Director of ACDC

In addition, the representatives of OPDs from 03 targeted provinces also presented the following topics: Developing independent living movement for persons with disabilities in Thua Thien Hue province, The role of OPD in monitoring the accessibility of persons with disabilities to health facilities and public transport, Enhancing communication to prevent gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities in Quang Nam province, the model of "Health care for persons with disabilities" of the project “Social Assitance and Independent Living for persons with disabilities 1” in charge of ACDC. After the presentations, delegates actively discussed and proposed many ideas and suggestions for the project's orientation in the coming years.

Ms. Le Thi Thuy Huong – Representative of USAID shared difficulties and acknowledged the efforts of the project and local partners

Ms. Le Thi Thuy Huong – Representative of USAID said: “The Seminar today is an opportunity for us to listen and discuss with the project and partners about the operation process and the achieved results as well as the difficulties encountered. From this information, we can solve the problems and provide better support in the next period. We appreciate the active participation of local partners. Therefore, the activities were on schedule and achieved the set goals.”

Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi – Deputy Director of Quang Nam Department of Labors, Invalids, and Social Affairs - Head of the Project Management Board highly appreciated the project activities in the province

Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi – Deputy Director of Quang Nam Department of Labors, Invalids, and Social Affairs shared: “Although participating in the project as a Head of the Project Management Board for a short time, I think the project has conducted practical activities in improving life skills and improving living conditions for persons with disabilities in the province. I hope that the project will expand activities to mountainous and remote areas, where living conditions for persons with disabilities are very difficult and there are few opportunities to access services.”

Mr. Hoang Trong Quy – Deputy Director of the Department of Health of Thua Thien Hue province committed to coordinating and made some suggestions to conduct the activities more effectively.

Mr. Hoang Trong Quy - Deputy Director of the Department of Health of Thua Thien Hue province said: “We appreciate the project's contributions to improving the independent living conditions for persons with disabilities and improving the accessible environment, thereby helping them to integrate more into the social community. As a local partner, we are always willing to coordinate with the project to implement the activities. In the upcoming rainy season in the Middle region, the project should consider organizing activities appropriately to ensure safety and health for persons with disabilities.”

The Seminar received support and active participation from partners. Thereby showing the counterparts’ attention in ACDC in general and the project "Raising voices, Creating Opportunities for persons with disabilities - phase II" in particular. In the next period, the project will continue to operate activities according to the plan to create an equal and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.