Commemorative Ceremony and Performances Held at Children's Grand Park Open Stage on the 18th...
A Platform for Community Unity
District Implements Resident-Centered Administration Focused on Tangible Improvements in the Lives of Persons with Disabilities
Gwangjin District (District Mayor Kim Kyungho) held a ceremony on April 18 at the Open Stage of Children's Grand Park to commemorate the 45th Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This event was held under the official 2025 slogan of the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute: "Looking at Happiness, Capturing Everyday Life, Continuing Hope." It aimed to encourage persons with and without disabilities to build a happy daily life and a hopeful future together.
The first part of the event began with a celebratory performance by the vocal group Miracle Voice, comprised of individuals with developmental disabilities, followed by the opening declaration, congratulatory speeches, and awards for those who have contributed to disability welfare. In the second part, actor Jung Yehun performed a Pumba show, and participants from organizations and facilities such as the Gwangjin Disabled Persons' Sheltered Workshop and the Korea Muscular Dystrophy Association presented singing, dancing, and instrumental performances.
At the event, 20 unique booths were operated by 18 organizations related to persons with disabilities. Residents participated in a variety of exhibitions and hands-on programs, including a disability awareness quiz and campaign, experiences tailored to different types of disabilities, a wheelchair mobility experience, making shopping bags from products made by persons with severe disabilities, and consultations on employment and job training for persons with disabilities. These activities provided an opportunity to reflect on disability awareness in everyday life.
Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "As expressed in the slogan of this year's Day of Persons with Disabilities, I hope for a society where persons with and without disabilities harmonize and disabilities are respected as part of daily life." He added, "We will continue to implement thoughtful policies such as expanding facilities for persons with disabilities, increasing job opportunities, and guaranteeing mobility rights, so that everyone in Gwangjin District can be happy."
The district is actively pursuing effective policies with a focus on customized administration for residents, aiming to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and enhance the perceived impact of these policies.
In particular, the district has received positive feedback for its practical support for independent living and social participation of persons with disabilities, including the installation of community-based ramps funded by an additional district budget, activity support programs for persons with disabilities, specialized job training (car washing and disinfection) for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the operation of the Hope Career Lounge to connect those with developmental disabilities to employment opportunities.
Additionally, this year the district was designated as a training institution for disability activity support workers in the northeastern region of Seoul and is currently fostering professional personnel. The district is also promoting education and training using digital technology through the Smart Developmental Training Center, conducting research to revitalize welfare centers for persons with disabilities, and making efforts in various ways to train welfare professionals and expand welfare content for persons with disabilities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
