Thua Thien Hue: Effectiveness of consulting activities on independent living for people with disabilities

How to help people with disabilities live conveniently at home is one of the main activities of the project "Enhancing opportunities and enhancing status for people with disabilities" in Thua Thien Hue.

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On March 14-15, the Institute for Community Development Studies (ACDC) coordinated with the Project Coordination Board and relevant agencies to conduct home visits and provide independent living consultation for 27 people with disabilities (PWD) in Nam Dong and Phu Loc districts, Thua Thien Hue.

This is the second visit after the first one in October 2023. This activity is within the framework of the project "Enhancing opportunities and enhancing the status of people with disabilities in the period 2021 - 2024" funded by the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ).

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People with disabilities are supported and given specific advice about their disability, and are given guidance to help them live independently and more meaningfully. Source: ACDC Institute

The project aims to strengthen the implementation of disability policies, support, enhance the status and opportunities for PWDs, focusing on ensuring access to and health care.

In particular, PWDs and their relatives were consulted on necessary issues regarding independent living, home renovation and optimal space arrangement, convenient for travel and living, suitable for the disability . This not only contributes to minimizing the risk of accidents but also improves the ability of PWDs to live independently and reduces their dependence on their families.

During this second home visit and consultation, 15/27 households with PWDs made adjustments such as: installing additional handrails in the bathroom, toilet, toilet exit area; lowering steps/building additional steps at toilet doors, kitchen area... In particular, some households built new toilets to ensure accessibility and suitability for family members' disabilities, and installed squat toilets because PWDs have weak legs.

The working group assessed that the health status of many PWDs has improved significantly. They can walk further due to diligent exercise, preparing simple meals and helping with housework.

Handrails are installed in toilets for the disabled. Source: ACDC Institute

Ms. PTKN in Nam Dong district shared that after installing a handrail from her bedroom leading to the bathroom and toilet, she found it more convenient. Now her eyesight is getting worse and her legs are getting weaker, so when she holds on to it, she can walk easier without fear of falling.

Mr. PTN in Nam Dong district also said that he was aware of his difficulties but due to difficult family conditions, he could not change immediately. Through the project's advice, his wife took the opportunity to level the path to the bathroom and toilet so that her husband could move more conveniently. In the future, his family will install a water faucet in the kitchen so that he can help cook without having to go far to get water like before.

In addition, after this visit, the working group assessed the changes of PWDs and their families, and continued to provide advice to help them become more confident and live more independently.

Source