Nowon-gu Brings Integrated Rehabilitation Program for Disabled to Welfare Centers

Eliminating Mobility Barriers with Visiting Rehabilitation Services at Eight Welfare Centers
Customized Programs Covering Rehabilitation Exercises, Health and Hygiene Education, and Social Participation
Expertise Recognized with Top Prize in 2023 Health and Hygiene Management Project, Continuing into 2025

Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will provide a "Visiting Integrated Rehabilitation Service for Persons with Disabilities" to improve accessibility for disabled individuals in need of rehabilitation services.

This initiative aims to address the lack of health management infrastructure for persons with disabilities and the mobility restrictions they face, despite the essential need for rehabilitation programs tailored to their disability types.

The visiting integrated rehabilitation service is provided primarily through community welfare centers. Considering the conditions of welfare centers?such as those frequently visited by persons with disabilities, those near apartment complexes with high disability residency rates, and centers lacking tailored programs for the disabled?a total of eight centers were selected. These eight locations are distributed across key areas including Wolgye, Gongneung, Junggye, Hagye, and Madeul, with a long-term plan to utilize welfare centers as key infrastructure hubs for disability rehabilitation.

The services offered include ▲group rehabilitation exercises for persons with disabilities ▲health and hygiene education ▲social participation programs. These programs are not limited to physical activities but encompass various programs necessary for a healthy lifestyle, allowing disabled individuals to choose services that best suit their needs.

First, group rehabilitation exercises are designed to help restore physical functions by gathering participants in groups. Under the guidance of physical therapists and disability sports instructors, exercises are conducted in a safe environment. For those who find it difficult to immediately join group programs due to the severity of their disabilities, specialized physical therapists provide personalized exercises before encouraging participation in group sessions. Additionally, the program incorporates various small equipment and new sports to promote camaraderie among participants, fostering connections that may lead to self-help groups.

Health and hygiene education focuses on enabling persons with disabilities to manage their own health through prevention of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, oral health care, and nutrition education. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the prevalence of chronic diseases among persons with disabilities is about twice that of non-disabled individuals. Despite the urgent need for chronic disease management, many face difficulties in receiving proper health education and maintaining consistent practice. To resolve this contradiction, the district places significant emphasis on health and hygiene education within the visiting rehabilitation services.

Next, the social participation program offers opportunities to alleviate social isolation commonly experienced by persons with disabilities and to promote emotional stability. Leisure programs such as aromatherapy and horticultural therapy are provided alongside education on topics including sexuality, human rights, and self-management.

The district’s comprehensive efforts in disability rehabilitation were recognized when it was selected as the top institution in the "Excellent Case of Health and Hygiene Management for Persons with Disabilities" by the National Rehabilitation Center under the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2023.

All programs are free of charge. For participation applications or inquiries about locations and schedules, please contact the Wolgye Health Center or Gongneung Health Center.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok stated, “Rehabilitation is an essential element of a healthy life for persons with disabilities and, like the health needs of non-disabled individuals, is a vital part of self-realization. We will continue to provide unwavering support so that everyone can live a healthy life without barriers.”