Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo District, Shows Special Care for Disabled...First Implementation of Life Safety Insurance

Disability Life Safety Insurance Begins in Mapo-gu, a First in Korea
District Covers Full Premiums and Allows Overlapping Benefits
Reducing Economic and Psychological Burdens for Families
"Anyone Dance Festival" for People with Disabilities Held at Hongdae Club on April 15
April 19: Disabled Persons Day Commemoration, Performances, and Experiential Activities Around Red Road R1

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo District, Encouraging Athletes with Disabilities

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, has a special love for people with disabilities.

Mapo-gu is implementing the nation's first "Disability Life Safety Insurance" support project for people with developmental disabilities and disabled youth. Until now, people with developmental disabilities and disabled youth have often been exposed to unexpected accident risks due to sudden behaviors. Even when trying to prepare for accident risks by purchasing insurance, it has been difficult to overcome the barriers set by private insurance companies.

In response, Mapo-gu has established a systemic alternative in the form of group insurance for the first time nationwide to help people with disabilities and their families. To implement this project, Mapo-gu newly enacted the "Seoul Special City Mapo-gu Disability Life Safety Insurance Subscription and Support Ordinance" to lay the institutional foundation.

People with developmental disabilities and disabled youth can receive compensation through this insurance if they cause physical or property damage to others or if they themselves suffer injuries. Overlapping compensation with other systems and personal insurance is possible, which is expected to further reduce the economic burden on families of people with disabilities.

The support targets are all age groups of people with developmental disabilities and disabled youth aged 9 to 24 (based on birth date from May 31, 2005, to May 30, 2016) who are registered residents of Mapo-gu as of the insurance application date. Anyone can apply regardless of income.

The application period is from April 14 to April 25, and applications can be made by visiting the local community service center of the applicant's address. The insurance coverage period will be maintained for one year from the insurance start date (scheduled for the end of May), and the insurance premium will be fully covered by the district. The maximum coverage amount is 100 million KRW.

For more details about the "Disability Life Safety Insurance," please refer to the "Notices" section on the Mapo-gu Office website or contact the local community service center or the Disability Welfare Division for guidance.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, "'Disability Life Safety Insurance' support project is more than just a policy; it is a small promise from Mapo-gu to ease the anxiety and burden of people with disabilities and their families," adding, "I hope this project becomes a strong shield that protects the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families."

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, dancing with people with disabilities at the 'Anyone Dance Festival' for people with disabilities held at a club in Hongdae on the 19th

Mapo-gu to hold 'Anyone Dance Festival' for people with disabilities at Hongdae club on April 15

April 19: Commemoration ceremony, performances, and various experiential activities for Disabled Persons Day around Red Road R1

On April 15, Mapo-gu held the "Anyone Dance Festival" at Club Ocean in Hongdae for about 200 people with disabilities to experience club dance and Hongdae culture.

Following this, to commemorate Disabled Persons Day, the district will host the "3rd Mapo-gu Look at People Festival" on April 19 around Red Road R1. The "Look at People" festival is Mapo-gu's representative welfare event meaning "Look at the person, not the disability," a festival enjoyed by everyone regardless of disability status. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and, marking its third year, it has been planned with more diverse and interesting programs including a commemorative ceremony, themed experience booths, and a walking event. From 1:30 p.m., the main stage will feature the screening of the disability rights film "Navigators." At 2 p.m., a disability awareness quiz show "Challenge Golden Bell" will be held with participation from about 200 elementary school students.

Afterwards, the commemorative ceremony will begin with a Nanta performance by Uri Mapo Workshop, followed by an awards ceremony for contributors to disability welfare and performances to raise disability awareness, hosted by announcer Lee Jae-yong. From 5 p.m., performances by the disability arts dance troupe "Bitsori Friends," Chwihyang Sangjeom, Iru-ne, and Park Kang-sung will continue.

The festival will conclude with popular trot singer Na Sang-do captivating the audience with his outstanding vocal skills and dazzling stage manners. Within the festival grounds, the "Spring ZONE" booth will operate, offering various activities such as assistive device experiences, exhibitions and sales of products made by people with disabilities, and sign language education to enhance understanding of disabilities.

Additionally, as a side event linked to the festival, from 11 a.m., the "Anyone Together Walking the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail" will take place in front of the Red Road R1 stage, featuring various mission activities and exhibitions of artwork by people with disabilities.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, "The Look at People Festival is not just a commemorative event but a place for social integration where people with and without disabilities come together," adding, "Mapo-gu will continuously strive to build a society where everyone coexists harmoniously regardless of disability."

In case of rain, Mapo-gu plans to move the "Look at People" festival indoors to the Mapo-gu Citizens Sports Center (190, World Cup-ro 25-gil, Mapo-gu).