Inclusion

Many Vietnamese provinces struggle to address the needs of a large number of persons with disabilities in their communities. Government officials and local organizations in provinces heavily sprayed by Agent Orange during the U.S.-Vietnam war are especially challenged. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) INCLUSION project partners with the Vietnamese government to provide direct rehabilitation and social assistance to persons with severe disabilities, improve and expand the rehabilitation service sector, and implement policies at the local level to increase access to services that facilitate social participation and independence of persons with disabilities.

IMPROVING POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

In partnership with the Government of Vietnam, local organizations, and the private sector, the project supports the implementation of new and strengthened disability policies and advocates for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of life. Policy advocacy efforts focus on improving the implementation of building codes and standards for physical access, and expansion of national health insurance to cover more comprehensive rehabilitation services. 

STRENGTHENING SERVICE PROVISION

The project improves the ability of national and local government agencies, as well as community disabilities organizations, to provide rehabilitation and care services. The project also collaborates with these partners to create a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation service system in Vietnam that includes physical, occupational, speech, and language therapies. 

SUPPORTING HOME-BASED CAREGIVERS 

The project supports home-based caregivers through peer and professional psychological support, as well as providing training in nursing, nutrition, and basic care to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. 

IMPACT 

The project has improved rehabilitation and social service systems in eight provinces. The project is expected to support a total of 60,000 persons with disabilities with rehabilitation, care, psychological support, assistive devices, and/or livelihood assistance.

TARGETED LOCALITIES

The project works in eight provinces heavily sprayed with Agent Orange: Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, and Kon Tum.