Ha Noi issues support plan for people with disabilities

The plan seeks to strengthen implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and relevant recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Under the plan, Ha Noi aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and ensure their rights and equal participation, while creating an enabling, barrier-free environment in which they can develop their abilities, live independently, and participate fully in the community.

In healthcare and health services, approximately 90 percent of people with disabilities will have access each year to healthcare services appropriate to their needs.

More than 85 percent of children from birth to six years of age are expected to receive screening and early detection of congenital disabilities and developmental disorders, followed by early intervention where necessary.

Approximately 2,500 children and people with disabilities will be able to receive orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation services, and appropriate assistive devices.

In education and vocational education, the capital city targets to ensure that 90 percent of children with disabilities of preschool and school age have access to education, while 80 percent of people with disabilities who need and qualify for support will receive vocational training and employment assistance.

In employment and livelihoods, all of people with disabilities who need and qualify for support are to receive guidance and assistance in accessing preferential loans from the Viet Nam Bank for Social Policies, in accordance with regulations, to create employment, start businesses, or expand production.

Regarding accessibility to public facilities and transportation, all of newly constructed buildings must meet accessibility requirements for people with disabilities, while half of existing buildings are expected to have their accessibility features renovated or upgraded.

The city also aims for half of people with disabilities who need to travel to have access to transportation that meets technical standards for accessible transport or to equivalent support services.

All people with disabilities using public transportation will be entitled to fare exemptions or reductions in accordance with regulations. For interprovincial road transport services, the level of fare exemption or reduction is to be at least 60 percent.

In access to information, technology, and legal aid, 80 percent of people with disabilities to have access to and use information and communications technology services. All people with disabilities who are eligible for legal aid will be provided with free legal assistance upon request, in accordance with regulations.

In culture and sports, 70 percent of communes and wards are expected to have accessible sports clubs for people with disabilities, attracting 15 percent of people with disabilities to participate in physical exercise and sports activities.

Meanwhile, 20 percent of people with disabilities will receive support to participate in cultural, artistic, and performing arts activities and all of public libraries will provide reading spaces and facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Notably, the plan sets a target of providing assistance in various forms to all of women with disabilities. In terms of capacity building, 70 percent of officials working in disability support are to receive training; half of families with members with disabilities are to receive training in care and rehabilitation skills and methods; and 40 percent of people with disabilities will be able to receive training in life skills./.