Gangbuk-gu Supports Repair Costs for Assistive Devices for Disabled Persons

Support for Disabled Persons' Parts and Consumables such as Manual Wheelchairs, Electric Mobility Devices, Hearing Aids, and Inspection and Rental Services

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) operates repair centers and support institutions for assistive devices such as manual and electric wheelchairs and hearing aids for people with disabilities on a regular basis, and provides financial support for repair costs.

The support targets are residents of Gangbuk-gu with severe or hearing disabilities.

This year, the Gangbuk Sign Language Interpretation Center located in Beon-dong has been newly added as a repair support institution, which is expected to alleviate inconveniences for people with hearing disabilities.

Until last year, the scope of support for assistive device repair costs was limited to wheelchair and electric scooter users, causing difficulties for hearing-impaired individuals using hearing aids.

If an applicant requests hearing aid repair at the Gangbuk Sign Language Interpretation Center, the center will act as an intermediary to submit the application to individual repair companies. After the repair, the applicant can receive support for repair costs or parts replacement costs through the center.

Maintenance of wheelchairs and electric scooters is handled by the Cham Sesang Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities. If applicants find it difficult to visit in person, they can also receive a visiting service. In addition to repair services, this center also runs a free rental program for assistive devices for low-income people with disabilities.

Severe and hearing-disabled individuals who are recipients under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act or belong to the near-poverty class can receive up to 200,000 KRW per person annually.

General severe and hearing-disabled individuals can receive 50% support for repair costs per case, up to a maximum of 100,000 KRW per person annually.

Those who wish to apply can call or visit the Gangbuk Sign Language Interpretation Center (☎990-9872) or the Cham Sesang Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities (☎980-5292). Required documents include a disability certificate or recipient certificate. Both centers operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Park Kyum-soo, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “If assistive devices that serve as hands, feet, and ears break down, the inconvenience to users is beyond words. We will actively promote repair support to enhance mobility convenience for people with disabilities and reduce their economic burden.”