Iksan City Awarded 'Best Institution Award' in National Disability Welfare Project Evaluation

Published 05 Dec.2024 15:31(KST)

Positive Reviews for Supporting Independent Living Skills of People with Developmental Disabilities

On the 5th, Iksan City in Jeonbuk announced that it received the Best Institution Award in the ‘2024 National Local Government Disability Welfare Project Evaluation’ hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The Disability Welfare Project Evaluation was introduced in 2020 to create a foundation for the efficient promotion of disability welfare projects targeting local governments nationwide and to improve the level of disability welfare in the regions.

Iksan City received the Best Institution Award in the "2024 National Local Government Disability Welfare Project Evaluation." Photo by Iksan City

This year, a committee composed of experts from various fields such as disability organizations, academia, and public institutions conducted evaluations on 44 cities, counties, and districts recommended by metropolitan and provincial governments. The evaluation covered 12 items across four areas: support for disability independence, support for disability services, disability welfare delivery system, and best practices.

The city was recognized for its efforts to provide diverse educational opportunities and enhance the independence of people with developmental disabilities by promoting the establishment of the first standalone lifelong education center for developmental disabilities in Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province and the construction of specialized workplaces for developmental disabilities.

Additionally, the revision of the ‘Iksan City Ordinance on Supporting Independent Living for People with Disabilities Leaving Facilities’ and policies such as securing independent living housing and providing settlement support funds received favorable evaluations for supporting the transition to community residence and independence of people with disabilities.

The city also worked to expand social participation and improve the sustainable quality of life for people with disabilities. To increase job sustainability, it promoted the employment support project for people with severe disabilities, and the disability nail care project became a driving force for developing specialized jobs and revitalizing employment.

Policies such as supporting the installation of ramps to improve mobility convenience for people with walking difficulties, conducting surveys to discover and improve disability services, and monitoring disability activity support services were also implemented.

Mayor Jeong Heon-yul said, “Our efforts to establish policies tailored to the perspective of people with disabilities and to carry out proactive administration have led to excellent evaluations. We will continue to work harder to make Iksan a happy city for people with disabilities.”