Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Annex of Seoul Metropolitan Developmental Disabilities Welfare Center

Scheduled to Open in February Next Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 16th that it will demolish the aging annex (1st floor above ground, total floor area 247.66㎡) of the Seoul Metropolitan Developmental Disabilities Welfare Center (located in Boramae Park, Dongjak-gu), which opened in 1986 to provide a comfortable welfare environment for people with developmental disabilities, and commence an extension construction project of 1 basement floor to 4 floors above ground, with a total floor area of 1252㎡. The opening is scheduled for February next year.

The newly constructed annex of the Seoul Metropolitan Developmental Disabilities Welfare Center will improve issues that were chronic problems in the existing welfare center facilities, such as narrow spaces and low ceiling heights, and will offer various programs through secured space and higher ceilings.

Additionally, a caregiver community space connected to the garden will be newly arranged, providing waiting and resting areas where caregivers can relax while program users participate in activities, thus creating spaces not only for users but also for caregivers.

In particular, the existing welfare center had a low ceiling height of 2.2 to 2.3 meters, which made physical activities difficult. However, by installing a multipurpose activity room with a ceiling height of 3.8 meters, indoor physical activity programs can now be operated.

Rooms such as the Challenge Room, Half Stage Room, Positive Behavior Support Room, Psychological Stability Room, Multipurpose Activity Room, and Teach Room will be established, expanding functions in connection with existing programs.

It is expected that people with developmental disabilities will be able to lead self-directed lives in the community by achieving positive behavioral changes through various program activities.

Kim Seong-bo, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Urban Infrastructure Headquarters, said, “Seoul’s ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable’ aims to resolve social polarization and create a city of coexistence.” He added, “We will do our best to ensure thorough safety and quality management so that users can enjoy welfare without discrimination and that the space can be one that citizens with disabilities can enjoy.”