ONLINE SEMINAR: BARRIER FREE RESEARCH FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN, THAILAND, AND VIETNAM

On July 2nd, 2022, the seminar: “Barrier free research from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam” was held online, hosted by Dr. Toshiyuki Uwano. This is the final part of the project "Cross-cultural communication for the inclusive society by the leaders of Person with Disability in Asia" by Dr. Toshiyuki Uwano, sponsored by the Toyota foundation. Attending the seminar were researchers, lecturers, and  social workers from universities, social security and welfare centers, and social work centers of many Asian countries. Dr. Tran Dinh Lam - Director of CVSEAS, also attended the event.

The seminar has proposed various perspectives on the rights of people with disabilities in the four Asian countries: Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, the event has enabled persons with disabilities to express their views on the physical, educational, and cultural barriers they are facing.

Speaking at the meeting, the representative of Vietnam said that there are about 7 million people with disabilities in Vietnam, accounting for 7% of the country's population. Individuals with disabilities in Vietnam face enormous barriers in accessing the public services, displayed in physical and environmental obstacles, weakly enforced policies and regulations, and societal attitudes or stigmas. They are viewed as the most vulnerable and disadvantaged group in society.

The representative of Vietnam presented the status of people with disabilities in Vietnam

This report also suggested that a vast majority of people with disabilities in Vietnam are not facilitated with quality mobility aids to overcome their problems in body functions. Furthermore,  under-developed facilities have failed to respond to the needs of those with disabilities, thus worsening their conditions. Therefore, in order to enable individuals with disabilities to integrate, rehabilitation cannot be separated from removing the barriers so that persons with disabilities can take part on an equal basis with others in social life.

At the end of the seminar, Dr. Toshiyuki Uwano stated that the mutual support and assistance of developed countries will also contribute to creating a more accessible environment for persons with disabilities. According to him, the cooperation in sharing experiences on organizing as well as providing information on activities related to people with disabilities will help countries gain more experience and ability to ensure the rights and interests of people with disabilities, enabling them to participate in social activities.

Dr. Toshiyuki Uwano’s presentation

The seminar provides opportunities for experts, researchers and social workers to discuss and offer future guidance to create a friendly environment for people with disabilities.

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