In Vietnam, persons with disabilities are unable to access most public buildings, limiting their access to public services. The Accessibility for Inclusion project works to improve persons with disabilities’ physical access to buildings in Tay Ninh and Binh Dinh provinces. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the creation of a barrier-free society where persons with disabilities can participate in all social, economic, and educational activities as equal members of society. 

RAISES AWARENESS OF PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY RIGHTS 

This project aims to raise awareness on the basic rights of persons with disabilities among the general public and the persons with disabilities community. Increased knowledge and appreciation will build the foundation for a future where persons with disabilities can better participate in and contribute to a harmonized Vietnamese society. 

ESTABLISHES AND STRENGTHENS THE CAPACITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’ SELF-HELP ORGANIZATIONS 

This project establishes and builds the capacity of persons with disabilities’ self-help organizations. These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for and implementing Vietnam’s disability law and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The self-help organizations work in partnership with government agencies such as the Provincial Coordination Committee on Disability, Youth Union Association, and Women’s Union to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in society. 

IMPROVES ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS 

This project increases access to public buildings for persons with disabilities through three approaches: (i) creating a task force (which includes persons with disabilities) to perform accessibility audits; (ii) showcasing model accessibility improvements that have increased access and equality; and (iii) seeking corporate financial partnerships to build a sustainable source of support for additional accessibility improvements. 

STRENGTHENS ADVOCACY FOR PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY 

The project works with Disabled Persons Organizations to promote accessibility rights and improve their ability to advocate for their own accessibility needs through various trainings and seminars. Complementing this approach is a monitoring committee, that includes persons with disabilities, that works to strengthen the role of persons with disabilities in community development. 

EXPECTED RESULTS 

By the end of the project, at least 1,800 persons, 1,500 service providers, government officials, and family members with disabilities will be trained to better advocate for physical accessibility. Approximately 50,000 persons with disabilities will have received information about disability rights through mass media.