Creating Value Centered on Senior and Disabled Consumers
The Korea Disabled Sports Association (KDSA, Chairman Choi Jung-woo) has partnered with Busan University of Foreign Studies to launch a senior welfare project addressing the ultra-aging era.
On the 4th, the Association announced that it signed a "Social Customized Industry-Academic Cooperation Agreement" with Busan University of Foreign Studies on December 22 of last year.
The signing ceremony held at Room F517-1 in the Busan University of Foreign Studies main building was attended by Vice President Kwon Oh-kyung, Head of the Department of Social Welfare Kim Tae-hyung, KDSA Education Director Choi Na-rae, Secretary General Kim Bo-kyung, and Senior Island Center Director Kim Bo-ae, among others.
The two institutions agreed to establish a practical industry-academic cooperation model with the university and local related organizations to address the pressing issues of South Korea entering the ultra-aging era and to build an integrated care system for seniors and persons with disabilities.
KDSA plans to promote organic connections among local administrative agencies, institutions, and private organizations related to persons with disabilities and seniors to ensure the smooth operation of the social customized industry-academic cooperation program at Busan University of Foreign Studies.
Additionally, KDSA will provide scholarships to the university’s Department of Social Welfare and Graduate School of Social Welfare Counseling, actively supporting students’ employment, entrepreneurship, internships, and volunteer activities. They also plan to establish a proactive mutual cooperation system with the university for developing user-centered living labs, welfare counseling programs, and content.
The two institutions will jointly hold field-oriented special lectures and workshops to cultivate creative professionals related to seniors and disabilities and will work together to enhance the practical experience of students.
Professor Choi Na-rae, who serves as KDSA’s Education Director and is from the Department of Social Welfare at Busan University of Foreign Studies, stated, “Recently, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the 3rd Basic Plan for Long-term Care for the Elderly, aiming to expand long-term care services and improve quality management in preparation for the ultra-aging era. As community care centered on integrated care services is strengthened, the roles of related local institutions have become more important.”
Professor Choi emphasized, “For the successful implementation of government policies, it is essential to cultivate field-oriented professionals and establish a community-centered integrated care system. The agreement between KDSA and Busan University of Foreign Studies is expected to lead welfare innovation for seniors and persons with disabilities and create new user-centered value.”
Chairman Choi Jung-woo said, “The Association will devote efforts to building a jointly participatory welfare system linking public institutions, companies, the private sector, and universities.”
The Korea Disabled Sports Association is a public interest corporation that provides integrated care services including physical activity management and sports promotion for persons with disabilities, health promotion and education, culture, and counseling to prevent secondary physical disabilities in seniors. Established in 1987, it has been carrying out various projects for persons with disabilities and seniors, including the establishment of Senior Island.
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