[Seoul District News] Safe and Comfortable Gangdong-gu Jiche Janghaein Shelter Opens in Amsa-dong & Healing and Communication Spaces Operating for Visually Impaired and Deaf Shelters
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Soo-hee) announced that it is taking the lead in efforts to improve welfare for people with disabilities by creating rest areas tailored to the characteristics of each type of disability.
Starting with the opening of a rest area for the deaf and hard of hearing within the Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center in 2019, three rest spaces tailored to different disability types have been established: a rest area exclusively for the visually impaired in January this year, and a rest area for people with physical disabilities in December.
Establishment of Gangdong-gu Rest Area for People with Physical Disabilities…A Safe and Comfortable Dedicated Space for People with Physical Disabilities
On the 7th, the "Gangdong-gu Rest Area for People with Physical Disabilities" (847 Olympic-ro, 1st floor) opened in Amsa-dong. (Photo) In response to the demand for customized facilities for people with physical disabilities, the district applied for the Seoul City Physical Disability Rest Area Contest this year, receiving approximately 160 million KRW in city funding, and additionally invested 120 million KRW from the district budget to create this special space for people with physical disabilities.
Furthermore, the district emphasized creating a safe and comfortable space by considering the characteristics of physical disabilities when establishing the rest area. The rest area includes educational and meeting spaces used for self-help groups and communication, with an oval sofa arranged in a straight line in the center to ensure no inconvenience for wheelchair users.
Additionally, kitchen cabinets and sinks in the accessible restroom are designed to adjust their height at the push of a button.
Moreover, sterilizers capable of disinfecting wheelchairs, strollers, and elderly walkers, as well as health support devices such as rehabilitation aids, massagers, and blood pressure monitors, have been prepared, and all equipment is available for free use by anyone.
The Gangdong-gu Rest Area for People with Physical Disabilities is operated under consignment by the Seoul Physical Disability Association Gangdong Branch. It plans to offer various leisure programs on topics such as electric wheelchair operation and safety education, computer and digital device usage training, exercise methods tailored to individual physical abilities, health promotion programs, and cultural and artistic music activities.
Dedicated Rest Area for the Visually Impaired…Created with Consideration for the Convenience of the Visually Impaired
In January this year, the district established a rest area exclusively for the visually impaired (Photo) on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Cheonho-dong Happy Sharing Center (27-23 Olympic-ro 89-gil). Selected through a Seoul City public contest, it received approximately 160 million KRW in city funding and about 330 million KRW from the district budget. After remodeling, it is operated under consignment by the Korea Blind Union Gangdong Branch.
Specialized to accommodate the visually impaired who face difficulties in typical welfare facilities, the space includes an education room, exercise room, lounge, and multipurpose room. It offers various programs such as laughter therapy, singing classes, walking programs, and bowling classes for about 2,000 visually impaired residents in the area. For detailed information about program participation, inquiries can be made to the Gangdong-gu Rest Area for the Visually Impaired.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Rest Area within Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center…Used as an Educational and Self-help Meeting Space for People with Hearing and Speech Disabilities
Additionally, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Rest Area within the Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center, opened in 2019, serves as an educational, self-help meeting, and communication space for approximately 2,800 people with hearing and speech disabilities in the area.
The interior of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Rest Area consists of a sports area equipped with a ping-pong table and shulren table, an information search desk, and a relaxation space. In collaboration with the Sign Language Interpretation Center, it provides integrated services combining information, culture, health, and education for the deaf and hard of hearing.
In addition to professional interpretation counseling and sign language education for those who have difficulty communicating, weekly programs include youth sign language singing classes, new sports classes, craft classes, and current affairs classes where local news interpreters deliver news and current events in sign language.
Various rest area programs such as art therapy, board games, sign language play for seniors, and movie viewing events are also conducted. For detailed information about program participation, inquiries can be made to the Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center.
Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, "I hope that people with disabilities can have healing moments by communicating with each other in rest areas specialized according to the characteristics of each disability type," and added, "We will continue to do our best to improve the welfare and quality of life of people with disabilities."
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