Hanoi has officially ignited a comprehensive programme-- the first of its kind in Vietnam -- to help the disabled integrate into society by rehabilitating, training and connecting them to the labour market.
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| Do Thi Tam in the central city of Da Nang earns her living with embroidery |
Coordinators of the programmes established by Hanoi authorities, called the Hanoi Employment Introduction Centre (HEIC) and Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH), are seeking to set up a network of rehabilitation centres, training agencies and employers for providing jobs to the disabled.
Now, 18 related agencies in the city have voluntarily registered to take part in the programme to help the disabled. Those employers mainly run their businesses in fields such as handicrafts production, restaurants, fashion and garment, helmet production, and real estate trading.
Entrants will have their physical and mental ability assessed before being recommended to a programme of rehabilitation and training. The disabled will still receive aid from the programme during the first three months after finding a job.
The main purpose of the programme is not only to help the disabled lead an independent life, but also to overcome their feelings of inferiority in order to actively make contributions to society.
This model has been carried out in several other nations, and was piloted in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang from 2009-11. In Da Nang, a network of 40 employers and 25 rehabilitation facilities was set up and connected and helped 130 entrants during the period.
HEIC deputy director Nguyen Toan Phong revealed he has planned to supply practical help to 150 disabled people in Hanoi in the next three years.