Ko Kyungae, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member: "Promoting Social Activities for People with Developmental Disabilities"

‘Ordinance on Insurance Enrollment Support for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Passes Standing Committee

Gwangju Seo-gu Council member Ko Kyungae (Hwajeong 3·4-dong, Pungam-dong, Democratic Party of Korea) announced that the 'Seo-gu Ordinance on Insurance Enrollment and Support for Social Activities of People with Developmental Disabilities,' which she proposed at the 328th temporary session on the 11th, has passed the relevant standing committee in its original form.

Gyeongae Ko, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, is speaking at a standing committee during the 328th extraordinary session. Provided by Seo-gu Council

According to Seo-gu Council on the 12th, this ordinance was proposed in accordance with the 'Act on the Guarantee of Rights and Support for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.' It aims to promote the stability of life and active participation in social activities for people with developmental disabilities by providing insurance coverage and premium support for accidents during social activities that cause bodily or property damage to others.

People with developmental disabilities often face difficulties in expressing their intentions or communicating due to cognitive and behavioral disabilities. This may lead to challenging behaviors such as engaging in risky actions that could harm themselves or others, or damaging property. They may also experience difficulties or restrictions in daily activities and face economic hardship when civil liability arises.

This ordinance, the fourth of its kind enacted nationwide, establishes an institutional foundation for enrolling in liability insurance for accidents occurring during social activities of people with developmental disabilities. This will help prepare for social risks and alleviate the economic burden on families, thereby encouraging greater participation of people with developmental disabilities in social activities.

Ko stated, "We aimed to establish a support system tailored to the characteristics of people with developmental disabilities so that they can participate more in social activities," and added, "We will coordinate with relevant departments to ensure this becomes a practical system."