Dongjak-gu Supports Independence for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities

District Provides After-School Activity Services for Over 20 Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities... Up to 44 Hours per Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) will implement the 'After-School Activity Service for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities' until December.

The after-school activity service for adolescents with developmental disabilities is implemented to provide meaningful leisure activities to students with developmental disabilities, support their preparation for independence, reduce the caregiving burden on families, and resolve blind spots in care.

The local service provider is the Dongjak Child Development Center (89 Boramae-ro), which conducts sports activities aimed at improving the goal performance ability and social skills of adolescents with developmental disabilities.

The after-school activity program will include ▲ vocational exploration activities to explore vocational interests and strengths ▲ hobby and leisure activities such as music and physical education ▲ independence preparation activities through self-expression, relationship building, and future planning ▲ viewing and experience activities such as theater, movies, exhibitions, and sports games ▲ self-help activities where goals are set and pursued within a group.

Eligible participants are adolescents aged 12 to under 18 with developmental disabilities attending middle schools, high schools, or special schools in the area. The number of participants is 20, with priority given to children from basic livelihood security households, single-parent families, and dual-income families. However, users of other welfare services such as local children's centers are excluded.

Service hours are ▲ Monday to Friday from 1 PM to 7 PM ▲ Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, with up to 44 hours available per month.

Applications can be submitted by visiting the local community service center or the Elderly and Disabled Division until December.

For more details, inquiries can be made to the Dongjak-gu Elderly and Disabled Division.

Lee Sun-hee, head of the Elderly and Disabled Division, said, “This project is to help adolescents with developmental disabilities achieve independence and develop their abilities while reducing the caregiving burden on families,” adding, “We will continue to support the healthy growth of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities in cooperation with the local community.”

Meanwhile, the district is carrying out customized job welfare projects to support social participation and independent living for people with disabilities, such as assistant care worker support for people with developmental disabilities, workplace adaptation training, and childcare assistant projects for people with intellectual disabilities. Currently, 117 people are working at local disability welfare centers, elderly care facilities, community centers, and more.