Kim Gyun-ho, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, announced on the 19th at the Planning and General Affairs Committee meeting that the ordinance supporting lifelong education for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning was passed.
The ordinance aims to support tailored lifelong education for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning in Seo-gu according to their life cycle. It includes ▲establishment and implementation of lifelong education support plans ▲support projects ▲installation, operation, and cooperation system establishment of lifelong education support centers ▲matters related to confidentiality obligations.
Councilor Kim stated, "Individuals with borderline intellectual functioning generally do not fall under developmental disabilities but face difficulties in social adaptation. We have considered various proposals to prepare support measures for them. Since most individuals with borderline intellectual functioning can become independent full members of society through tailored education according to their life cycle, the lifelong education support system is important."
He continued, "Although several local governments have proposed and implemented related ordinances, awareness of ‘individuals with borderline intellectual functioning’ is still insufficient. Above all, due to the absence of higher-level laws, even basic terminology has not been agreed upon, and support measures have not been established, making it difficult to promote policies at the local government level."
Councilor Kim added, "During the ordinance preparation process, we also proposed a recommendation urging the 21st National Assembly to pass laws reflecting the term ‘individuals with borderline intellectual functioning’ and support projects in higher-level laws, but ultimately, all four related bills were rejected." He further said, "The ordinance was created after long deliberation, including reviewing related ordinances and bills proposed in the National Assembly and receiving legislative consulting from the Ministry of Government Legislation. I sincerely hope this ordinance will become an effective stepping stone for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning in our Seo-gu."
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho bless4ya@asiae.co.kr
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