Gwangju Seo-gu Holds Awareness Improvement Event for Disabled Persons Day

Programs Include Art Exhibition by Artists with Disabilities

Seo-gu District Office in Gwangju (District Mayor Kim Ikang) announced on the 15th that, in celebration of the 45th National Disabled Persons Day, it will hold a commemorative ceremony on the 17th and conduct a variety of disability awareness programs in collaboration with both the public and private sectors.

This year's event is themed "Together for We, Happier Seo-gu," and will be organized in a way that places people with disabilities at the center, with Seo-gu providing support. The aim is to encourage greater social participation and self-reliance among people with disabilities.

The commemorative ceremony will take place on the 17th at the Deulbul Hall on the second floor of Seo-gu District Office, with attendees including District Mayor Kim Ikang, the head of the Seo-gu Disabled Persons Association, and people with disabilities.

The event will also feature various performances by people with disabilities, the sharing of inspiring stories, and commendations for exemplary individuals with disabilities and companies recognized for their efforts in promoting employment for people with disabilities.

On the first floor of the district office, an art exhibition by artists with disabilities will be held. In the outdoor plaza, promotional and experience booths will offer activities such as learning sign language through the "Poksak Sueo Suda" program and assistive device repair and cleaning services.

On the third floor, the "Severe Disability Rights Advocacy Contest" will be held in the Ieum Hall, providing an opportunity for people with disabilities to present and discuss their rights.

On the weekend of the 19th, a tandem bike riding event will be held in collaboration with "Seogu Honors," a group of major donors supporting the realization of a kind city, and Gwangju Yeonggwangwon.

This participatory program allows visually impaired and non-disabled individuals to ride bicycles together along the Gwangju Stream, aiming to build empathy and strengthen social solidarity. Notably, Seogu Honors and the Seo-gu Volunteer Center will each provide 10 tandem bikes, adding significance to the event.

District Mayor Kim Ikang stated, "This commemorative event will be even more meaningful as it is planned and participated in by people with disabilities themselves," and added, "We will spare no effort to support people with and without disabilities to live equally together in the local community."

Meanwhile, Seo-gu is working to eliminate blind spots in disability care by implementing initiatives such as "Transportation Vulnerable Ieum," which installs customized ramps for wheelchairs and strollers; "Sign Language Translation Video Service," which provides essential daily information in sign language; "Mobility Device Repair and Safety Education" for users of mobility aids; and the "Seo-gu Model Severe Disability Employment Project."