Gwanak-gu Operates Independent Living Education Program for People with Developmental Disabilities

Published 28 Apr.2021 07:14(KST)

Providing Lifelong Education Programs for School-Age and Adult People with Developmental Disabilities... Culture, Arts, Sports, etc... Year-Round Operation Until December, Prioritizing Low-Income Households Including Basic Livelihood Security Recipients, Targeting People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families

Developmental Disability Independence Education Program - Special Physical Education Class 'Balmatchum' Program

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is promoting the "Developmental Disability Independence Education Project" to help school-age and adult individuals with developmental disabilities adapt socially and support their independence.

The Developmental Disability Independence Education Project provides lifelong education programs in culture, arts, and sports for individuals with developmental disabilities who have difficulties in daily life, communication, and self-protection, as well as their families. The project aims to enhance social skills of people with developmental disabilities and improve family relationships, thereby promoting the welfare of people with disabilities.

In particular, adolescence for individuals with developmental disabilities requires long-term vocational exploration and social adaptation training to transition into adulthood, making tailored programs for them even more necessary.

Accordingly, in February, the district selected eight welfare-related institutions and organizations for people with disabilities through a private project competition to carry out independence education projects in the fields of sports, arts, culture, vocation, and cognition.

From this month until December, 11 diverse programs will be conducted, including the Gwanaksan Barrier-Free Forest Trail Walking Contest, special physical education classes, pottery experience, percussion book performance programs, family camps, horticultural activities, and vocational education.

The recruitment target is individuals with developmental disabilities and their families residing in Gwanak-gu, with priority given to low-income households such as basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups. Applicants can refer to the announcement on the Gwanak-gu Office website (News → Gwanak News) and apply by contacting each project executing institution according to the program schedule.

The district is operating the programs on a small scale by limiting the number of participants in accordance with COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine guidelines, and plans to operate flexibly according to the COVID-19 situation at each stage.

A representative of the project executing institutions stated, "Although many users cannot participate due to COVID-19, we will strive to enhance the educational effect and satisfaction through new programs that can strengthen the functions of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families."

Since 2014, the district has been conducting independence education for people with developmental disabilities. Except for last year when it was not held due to the spread of COVID-19, a total of 53 programs were operated until 2019, helping over 4,150 individuals with developmental disabilities improve their physical and mental health and supporting their social adaptation and independence.

Mayor Park Jun-hee said, "I hope that various independence education programs in culture, arts, and sports will help the healthy growth and social development of individuals with developmental disabilities. We will continue to do our best to discover various programs that protect the human rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families and strengthen family functions to promote welfare for people with disabilities."