97 Million KRW in National Funding... Largest Among Seoul's Autonomous Districts
Focused Investment in Education Incorporating Advanced Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality
Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it has been selected for the "Lifelong Learning City for Persons with Disabilities" contest, hosted by the National Institute of Special Education under the Ministry of Education, for three consecutive years, receiving 97 million KRW in national funding to promote various projects for lifelong learning and independence of persons with disabilities.
The Ministry of Education selects "Lifelong Learning Cities for Persons with Disabilities" annually to ensure that persons with disabilities are not marginalized, guaranteeing their lifelong learning rights and encouraging capacity development.
The district was recognized for its efforts in establishing a disability-friendly lifelong learning system and was selected for the contest three years in a row. Securing the highest amount of national funding among Seoul's autonomous districts, 97 million KRW, the district plans to implement lifelong learning projects tailored to disability types, including academic supplementation, humanities education, and cultural arts for persons with disabilities.
In particular, based on past achievements, the district will strengthen the professionalism and diversity of lifelong learning programs. It will operate 49 programs tailored to disability types and needs, such as baking and digital drawing, at accessible locations for persons with disabilities including welfare centers, libraries, lifelong learning centers, and community autonomy halls. Additionally, efforts will be made to create educational environments and sports activity spaces incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality to enrich the culture and daily lives of persons with disabilities.
Through "breaking down walls" between institutions, programs operated by different organizations will be shared and linked. This will allow persons with disabilities to broadly access education and experiences provided by various institutions and have learning opportunities tailored to their individual interests and needs.
In addition to lifelong learning for persons with disabilities, various supports will be diligently provided. Dedicated rest areas for the visually impaired and safety insurance for electric mobility devices for persons with disabilities are operated, and starting this year, group accident insurance for disabled youth and childcare subsidies for families with disabled members will be supported.
Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, "Educational opportunities should be equally given to everyone," adding, "We will provide extensive consideration and support for persons with disabilities so that no one is excluded from learning and persons with and without disabilities can communicate together."
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