Kim Eun-hye "Will Make People with Disabilities Proud Members of Society"... Announces Four Major Support Pledges for People with Disabilities

Promises Including Introduction of Low-Floor Buses, Expansion of Employment Opportunities, Establishment of Comprehensive Care Support System, and Expansion of Lifelong Education Programs by Disability Type

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Eun-hye, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, announced on the 22nd measures to expand support in transportation, education, and employment to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.

On this day, through a press release, Candidate Kim promised ▲promotion of eco-friendly low-floor buses for the mobility rights of people with disabilities ▲expansion of employment opportunities to support the economic independence of people with disabilities ▲expanded support for lifelong education programs tailored to disability types ▲establishment of a comprehensive care support system for people with developmental disabilities.

Candidate Kim first stated that she would introduce eco-friendly low-floor buses to guarantee the mobility rights of people with disabilities. She explained that the current introduction rate of low-floor buses in Gyeonggi Province is only 14.1%, and she aims to raise it to 50% during her term.

She also pledged to expand employment opportunities to support the economic independence of people with disabilities. To discover jobs for people with disabilities in the smart industry sector and to expand systematic vocational education and job matching, a One-Stop Job Center will be established. Additionally, by expanding social contribution jobs for people with disabilities, a virtuous cycle of social contribution will be created, supporting people with disabilities to firmly establish themselves as members of society.

Lifelong education programs tailored to disability types will also be expanded. According to a 2020 survey, 55.7% of people with disabilities aged 25 and older nationwide have an education level of middle school or below. Since lifelong education for people with disabilities plays an important role in improving quality of life and social integration between people with and without disabilities, a long-term support system responding to age and disability type will be prepared.

Finally, Candidate Kim promised to establish a comprehensive care support system for people with developmental disabilities. To this end, she presented specific pledges including △support for early screening and treatment systems for developmental disabilities in infants and young children △expansion of support measures according to the life cycle of people with developmental disabilities △strengthening vocational training considering the characteristics of people with developmental disabilities △establishment of crisis response systems and expansion of family support for people with developmental disabilities.

Candidate Kim emphasized, "It is true that efforts to support the independence of people with disabilities in Gyeonggi Province have been somewhat insufficient so far," adding, "We will organically link with the new government to improve welfare for people with disabilities in various ways such as guaranteeing mobility rights and supporting education and employment, and help people with disabilities firmly establish themselves as members of society."