U.S. Projects Assist Over 11,000 Persons with Disabilities in Danang

DANANG, December 27, 2011 – Thousands of people with disabilities living in and around Danang have received health rehabilitation, education, and employment support from three U.S.-funded projects over the past three years, resulting in a coordinated response and plan for future assistance, NGO partners reported in a workshop here Tuesday.

Mr. Nguyen Hung Hiep, deputy director of the Danang People's Committee's Department of Labor, Invalid, and Social Affairs, said the U.S.-funded project "has attained important results in many perspectives, from communication and raising awareness, training skills and building capacity of personnel and persons with disabilities, to direct assistance to PWD and their families… This has helped persons with disabilities find suitable jobs, increase their income, overcome difficulties and integrate into the community.”

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has assisted the local government in Danang with disability management across all sectors, including support to develop a five-year provincial disability plan.  Since October 2008, the U.S. government has cooperated with implementing partners the East Meets West Foundation, Save the Children, and Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped to provide health and vocational services to approximately 11,000 persons with disabilities and their family members in Danang.

These services include health examinations for more than 8,500 people; 2,000 corrective surgeries, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and assistive devices; and home-based and formal employment for more 1,500 persons with disabilities and caregivers.

In 2010, USAID evaluated the current projects and conducted an assessment of additional health and disabilities in the Danang area. The results of this assessment will guide further activities in this area, including new activities that will start up in 2012.

“We continue to enjoy a fruitful partnership with the leadership and people of Danang as we work together to support people with disabilities and promote full access to education and health services and create the best possible conditions for these productive citizens,” said acting USAID Mission Director Michael Foster.

Since 1989, the U.S. has provided over $50 million to support persons with disabilities in Vietnam, regardless of cause.