Damyang-gun, Notable Model Case of Detailed Support for People with Disabilities

Damyang-gun's Disability Welfare Policy Shines in Embracing and Supporting People with Disabilities

Damyang-gun is drawing attention as a model case for other local governments by implementing meticulous support policies for people with disabilities.

On the 7th, Damyang-gun in Jeollanam-do announced that, in addition to supporting location notification devices (GPS) for preventing the disappearance of severely disabled individuals, it has newly launched a hygiene product support project targeting bedridden disabled persons, in addition to those with brain lesions, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the beneficiaries.

The county governor explained the policy background, saying, "People with disabilities often need to use hygiene products throughout their lives, and the economic burden is very significant," adding, "There is a growing need to provide support to facilitate their daily convenience, independence, and social participation."

Additionally, to prevent the disappearance of disabled individuals who are vulnerable in terms of safety, smart devices (smartwatch type, shoe-attached type) capable of tracking the location are being provided to 41 disabled persons who are at risk of getting lost.

This policy alleviates anxiety about the disappearance and runaway of disabled individuals and helps stabilize their lives, receiving positive evaluations from their caregivers.

A scholarship for people with disabilities has also been newly established.

This year, the county has separately created a 'Scholarship Fund for Disabled Students' to encourage disabled students and their families, and scholarships will be awarded starting from the year interest is generated from the fund. The recipients are disabled students residing in Damyang, including elementary, middle, high school, and university students.

Furthermore, based on the County Health Management Ordinance, Damyang-gun plans to provide free shingles vaccinations to all residents aged 50 and over starting in 2024.

To support the health of disabled individuals who are vulnerable in health management, the free influenza vaccination, which had been provided to basic livelihood security recipients and seniors aged 65 and over, will be expanded to include disabled persons, thereby implementing welfare policies that care for and embrace the health of people with disabilities.

In addition, handicraft classes for disabled persons, social activity support programs, healing tours, and cultural experiences for each disabled group are also being supported.

To support these policies, a Disability Welfare Team was newly established in July, and efforts are being made to promote policies that satisfy people with disabilities.

County Governor Lee Byeong-no stated, "Minimizing the alienation and inconvenience caused by disabilities will be the foundation for realizing Damyang's unique rural welfare, which will become a nationwide welfare model," adding, "We will continue to do our best to build a welfare safety net so that all residents of Damyang can live safely."