Persons with disabilities in Vietnam are among the most vulnerable groups in society. They have lower access to health care, education, employment, transportation, and have fewer opportunities to fully integrate into society even though they account for approximately seven percent of the population. To address this, the Raising Voices, Creating Opportunities project aims to improve public attitude towards the rights of persons with disabilities, increase their access to transportation and health facilities, and build transition houses to help persons with disabilities in Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam provinces practice their daily living functions (such as moving, dressing, eating, etc.) so that they can fully integrate themselves into society and lead an independent life. 

DISABILITY POLICY DEVELOPMENT 

The project reviews current policies, proposes modifications, and develops new policies related to physical access and health care for persons with disabilities, in partnership with the Government of Vietnam. 

ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF VIETNAMESE POLICY IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES 

The project collaborates with the Department of Construction, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Provincial Committee on Disabilities, and Disabled Person Organizations to enhance their capacity to better support persons with disabilities through implementation of relevant policies at the provincial level. 

ADVOCACY 

The project advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities at the district, provincial, and central levels as well as the participation of persons with disabilities in the policy making process. 

RESULTS 

By the end of the project, more than 2,000 persons with disabilities will directly benefit from the project’s interventions that focus on health and physical access. In addition, more than 600 service providers and local officials will gain a better understanding of providing a rights-based assistance program for persons with disabilities.