Namyangju City Successfully Hosts Dasan Center for Independent Living's "Severe Disability Independent Living Conference"

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Kwangdeok) announced that Mayor Joo Kwangdeok attended the "2025 Severe Disability Independent Living Conference" held at Pharos Convention in Dasan-dong on the morning of the 3rd and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Namyangju Dasan Center for Independent Living for the Disabled.

Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the "2025 Severe Disability Independent Living Conference" held on the 3rd at Pharos Convention in Dasan-dong. Provided by Namyangju City

The event, held under the slogan "10 Years Walked Together, 10 Years to Build Together: Growth and Leap Forward in Independent Living," was a great success with more than 250 participants in attendance.

The event was graced by Mayor Joo Kwangdeok, local provincial and city council members, Song Kitae, Executive Representative of the Gyeonggi-do Association of Centers for Independent Living for the Disabled, Son Kinam, Senior Vice President of the Namyangju Disabled Sports Association, and officials from related organizations.

The pre-ceremony performances featured a Nanta performance prepared by disabled users of the Dasan Center, a cup stacking performance by individuals with developmental disabilities, and a stage by the Starlight Sound Choir. This was followed by a sand art performance and a video report titled "The Path Dasan Has Walked," which reviewed the center’s 10-year journey, allowing participants to share achievements in independent living and come together in unity to close out the year.

During the main event, commendations were awarded to individuals with disabilities, activity support workers, and staff who contributed to the practice of independent living over the past year. Appreciation plaques were presented to supporters, long-service awards were given, and a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony took place. In addition, a total of seven recipients in the university, high school, and middle school categories selected for the "Dream Ladder Academic Support Fund" each received scholarships of 1 million won, 500,000 won, and 300,000 won, respectively, adding further significance to the event.

Furthermore, center members presented an appreciation plaque to the center director in recognition of their dedication to improving the rights of people with disabilities, expressing gratitude and encouragement for the past 10 years.

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok stated, "I congratulate the Namyangju Dasan Center for Independent Living for the Disabled on its 10th anniversary, and I will do my utmost to provide practical support that enhances the will for independence, enabling people with disabilities to choose and lead their own lives."

Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City, is attending and congratulating at the "2025 Severe Disability Independent Living Conference" held on the 3rd at Pharos Convention in Dasan-dong. Provided by Namyangju City

He added, "We will continue to expand policies that strengthen rights and interests, such as experience homes and mobility support, to enhance independent living, housing, and mobility rights, and will work even harder to create a welfare city free from disability and discrimination."

Center Director Kang Minsu said, "Through this event, we were able to share the achievements of the past 10 years together and reaffirm our commitment to a future where people with and without disabilities live together. We will do our best to promote the independence and rights of people with disabilities."

Meanwhile, the photo and three-line poem contest exhibition held during the event period further enriched the atmosphere by boosting members’ participation and sense of belonging.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.