[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced on the 29th that it will open the Western Disabled Comprehensive Welfare Center on the 1st of next month, which will serve as a communication, exchange, and employment hub for disabled people in the western region.
The Western Welfare Center, targeting disabled individuals from the western area and eight districts (Jinyeong, Juchon, Jinrye, Hallim, Chilsan Seobudong, Jangyu 1, 2, and 3-dong), provides professional counseling, education, rehabilitation services, and employment opportunities. Located at 30, Daecheong-ro 176beon-gil, the facility covers a total area of 4,608㎡, with one basement floor and two above-ground floors, and was completed on May 29.
The city expects a synergy effect by constructing both the welfare center and the workplace in one space to provide comprehensive counseling, education, rehabilitation services, and job creation.
The first floor of the welfare center consists of a caf?-style training room for disabled individuals aspiring to become baristas, a volunteer room, a karaoke room, a sensory integration room, classrooms, and a dining hall.
The second floor includes offices, an auditorium, an informatization education room, an adaptation training room, a group activity room, a rehabilitation exercise room, counseling rooms, and program rooms. These spaces are utilized to support the independence and capacity building of disabled individuals through rest, psychological counseling, leisure activities, case management, and vocational training.
Considering the COVID-19 situation, small-scale pilot programs such as recruiting users and volunteers will be operated in July and August, with plans to commence full operations from September.
The workplace's first floor consists of a group activity room and main workshop, while the second floor houses offices, rehabilitation counseling rooms, a rehabilitation yard, a design room, and the main workshop.
Focusing on printing services such as banners, administrative envelopes, and document files, the facility aims to provide disabled workers with opportunities to acquire professional skills, stable employment, and income generation, thereby offering quality and stable jobs.
Starting in July, education and training will be conducted for 10 disabled workers, with plans to recruit 30 by the end of the year to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services and customized employment training, creating a foundation for a healthy life.
Mayor Heo Seong-gon stated, “Through the Western Disabled Welfare Center, we will actively support disabled individuals to fully develop their potential and live proudly and happily without discrimination or barriers.”
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