A project to support the independence of individuals with "borderline intelligence"?those with an IQ between 71 and 84?is being launched in Busan.
The Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced on the 7th that it will officially promote the "Borderline Intelligence Support Project" to assist the independence of people with borderline intelligence. Applications for participants will be accepted from the 7th until May 6th.
This project is being carried out in collaboration with the Youth Foundation, with the Busan Metropolitan City Social Service Center (Director Yoo Gyuwon) serving as the implementing agency. These organizations plan to provide a variety of customized support programs to help individuals with borderline intelligence become independent members of society.
The aim is to establish a support system that enables individuals with borderline intelligence to integrate smoothly into society, improve their social lives, and enhance their economic activities.
The Borderline Intelligence Support Project includes ▲ support for diagnostic testing for borderline intelligence and ▲ the "Borderline Intelligence Youth Independence Support Program" (independence education and work experience package support).
The "Borderline Intelligence Diagnostic Test Support" targets a total of 65 people: 25 children and adolescents not supported by the Office of Education and 40 young adults (aged 18?39). By reducing the cost burden of diagnostic tests, the project actively identifies individuals with borderline intelligence.
The project supports preliminary screening using simplified test sheets, connects participants with diagnostic and testing institutions after the screening, and provides financial support for actual expenses.
The "Borderline Intelligence Youth Independence Support Program," in collaboration with the Youth Foundation, aims to improve the independence skills of young people with borderline intelligence. ▲ For 100 young participants, a three-month program will provide basic education, job training, consulting, and workplace experience. ▲ For 20 outstanding participants, an additional two-month "work experience" will be offered, providing on-site training to help them adapt to working life.
Busan Metropolitan Government will also support self-help groups for individuals with borderline intelligence, offering opportunities to share experiences and emotions and seek solutions independently. In addition, parent education will be provided by experts to foster better understanding and parenting methods for people with borderline intelligence.
Applicants wishing to participate in this project can apply through the Busan Social Service Center website. For further details, please contact the person in charge of the borderline intelligence program at the Busan Social Service Center.
If the target number of participants is not reached by May 6th, additional recruitment will take place, and selected applicants will be individually contacted and guided regarding participation in the educational programs.
"Borderline intelligence" typically refers to individuals with an IQ between 71 and 84. While they do not meet the criteria for intellectual disability, they fall short of average intelligence and experience difficulties adapting to society.
Because they are often excluded from general employment support systems or receive insufficient support, individuals with borderline intelligence face challenges in achieving independent economic activity and are at higher risk of isolation and seclusion, making active support essential.
The Busan Metropolitan Government plans to conduct a survey on the actual conditions of individuals with borderline intelligence, identify their real needs and problems, and establish a five-year master plan to discover various business models for their independence and build a systematic support system.
Jung Taegi, Director of the Busan Metropolitan Government's Social Welfare Bureau, stated, "We will spare no effort in providing systematic and practical support so that individuals with borderline intelligence can become important members of society," adding, "By offering customized education and work experience, we will support their independence and establish a virtuous cycle system that enables them to participate as members of society."
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