Suncheon City Hosts the 41st Disabled Persons Day Commemoration Event

Harmony in Diversity! Disability Awareness Improvement and Social Integration

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Heo Seok) held a commemorative event for Disabled Persons Day on the 20th at the Suncheonman International Wetland Center to mark the 41st Disabled Persons Day.

The event, hosted by the Suncheon Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled, was held under the slogan "Harmony in Diversity!" and was attended by about 50 people including Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon and heads of organizations related to the disabled. The event was conducted simply in accordance with the social distancing guidelines.

Despite the difficult conditions caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the event comforted the disabled and their families who have been living steadfastly, awarded commendations from the Suncheon Mayor and the Suncheon City Council Chairman to 11 individuals who have contributed to the promotion of welfare for the disabled, and held a performance to celebrate Disabled Persons Day and raise awareness about disabilities.

Suncheon City introduced universal design so that all citizens, regardless of age, gender, or disability, can live safely and conveniently. As a result of efforts to improve the support system for the disabled, including installing UD balls marking disabled parking spaces, improving Citizen Road, and installing ramps at commercial entrances, the city received the Korea Disabled Human Rights Award last year.

Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon said, "I believe there are many difficulties in meeting the welfare needs of the disabled, such as jobs for the disabled and lack of awareness about disabilities," adding, "Although it is difficult to solve all problems at once, we will carefully attend to them from the perspective of the disabled."

Meanwhile, Disabled Persons Day is observed every year on April 20th to encourage the independence of disabled persons and to create a society without discrimination by raising interest in and concern for the disabled.