Strengthening support for people with disabilities in Lam Dong

Strengthening Grassroots Representation in Lam Dong

The delegation was led by Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Federation on Disability. Also attending the working session were representatives of the Lam Dong Provincial Association of People with Disabilities and associations of people with disabilities across the province.

At the working session, the Lam Dong Provincial Association of People with Disabilities reported on the implementation of policies for people with disabilities, focusing on organizational development, disability assessment, social assistance, health insurance, education, employment, access to loans and support with assistive devices.

According to the report, by 2025, the Lam Dong Provincial Association of People with Disabilities had approximately 2,043 members. The association is gradually strengthening its grassroots organizations, with the aim of enhancing its representative role and improving its ability to identify and communicate the needs and aspirations of people with disabilities.

One of the issues raised by the association was the need to establish and strengthen associations of people with disabilities in communes and wards. This would create conditions for representatives of people with disabilities to appropriately participate in councils responsible for determining disability levels, thereby helping more fully reflect the realities and needs of people with disabilities at the grassroots level.

Expanding Employment and Livelihood Support

In terms of employment, about 60% of people with disabilities of working age are capable of participating in the workforce. The association maintains handicraft groups in Da Lat, Don Duong and Duc Trong, while also connecting members with capital sources, vocational training, employment opportunities and support for product sales.

Through the "Than Tai Go Cua" program, 40 members received support ranging from VND 30 million to VND 41 million each, with total funding of approximately VND 1.4 billion.

At the working session, representatives of associations of people with disabilities also discussed difficulties and challenges encountered in their operations, particularly those related to grassroots associations, employment, livelihoods, rehabilitation and access to support policies.

Speaking at the working session, Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Federation on Disability, called on the Lam Dong Provincial Association of People with Disabilities to continue promoting its representative role and strengthening oversight of the implementation of laws and policies concerning people with disabilities.

He also urged the association to focus on strengthening its grassroots organizations, improving the capacity of its staff, and paying greater attention to measures to support employment, livelihoods, rehabilitation and access to assistive devices.

Dang Van Thanh also noted that policy implementation should be closely aligned with the practical needs of people with disabilities. He called for stronger coordination with local authorities, greater mobilization of social resources and the application of digital technology to gradually improve the effectiveness of association activities and people's access to support policies.