On July 30, USAID’s Raising Voices, Creating Opportunities project hosted an online close-out workshop in Thua Thien - Hue Province. The project’s significant achievements, resulting from the effective cooperation between USAID, ACDC (a local NGO), and local government and businesses, include increased awareness about disability equity and inclusion; greater disability policy enforcement; and the establishment of the ‘Transition House’ model in Vietnam, a facility that supports persons with disabilities in rehabilitation and daily living skills. The project also developed and implemented universal design criteria for transportation and construction facilities, leading to more accessible bus stops and ramps at public buildings and homes. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vice Chairman of Thua Thien – Hue Provincial People’s Committee, expressed great appreciation for the continued support and dedication of USAID to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
So what? Over 6,000 persons with disabilities and their families have received USAID’s support and benefited from greater accessibility, improved rehabilitation services, and increased self-confidence and social integration. Local governments have improved their capacity and commitment to provide services for persons with disabilities, particularly in the field of rehabilitation and accessible transportation, further improving quality of life and independence for persons with disabilities in Vietnam.