There are a total of about 12,000 disabled people in Da Nang, 4,000 of whom have found stable jobs. The remainder are currently unemployed and some of them are unable to work at all due to their severe disabilities. The majority of these unemployed people are living in difficult circumstances.

Mrs Tran Thi Tam Hien (left) after being replaced by a prosthesis

In attempting to help disabled people overcome their physical or mental health difficulties to integrate into the community, the Da Nang Association of Disabled People has become actively involved in implementing numerous meaningful activities in the city over recent years.

Last year, importance was attached to raising money from local generous organisations and individuals to buy a total of 15 wheelchairs and 20 three-wheeled vehicles for people with disabilities.

Heed was also joining efforts with the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to provide regular vocational training courses for people with disabilities to help them find suitable jobs. 

In addition, a total of 47 disabled people were able to access the association’s revolving fund to make loans of between 4 million and 5 million VND at interest rates of 0% for 12 months.

Over the past year, the association cooperated with the International Committee of the Red Cross to replace prostheses for people with disabilities in coastal localities from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai provinces. To date, a total of 233 people have enjoyed benefits from this programme, including 108 from Da Nang.

Mrs Tran Thi Tam Hien from Son Tra District’s An Hai Dong Ward, was replaced by a prosthesis last October. The replacement has helped her walk confidently by herself, and her trading activities have been improve significantly. Currently, she can earn around 5 million VND per month from her small business.

Mr Nguyen Dang Thoi from Cam Le District’s Hoa Tho Tay Ward is another beneficiary. He was given leg brace which helps him walk easily without the assistance from others. Mr Thoi said happily “I used to afraid of moving and walking due to my disability.  Thanks to the leg brace, I find it easier to walk by myself to meet with my friends and other people”.