A Variety of Disability Day Events Foster Harmony Between People With and Without Disabilities
Yeongdeungpo District Selected as Lifelong Learning City for People With Disabilities for Three Consecutive Years
New Injury Insurance for Youth With Disabilities and Childcare Allowance Introduced... Customized Support System Established
Choi Hogwon, mayor of Yeongdeungpo District Office, participated in the barrier-free companion tour for the visually impaired during the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival.
Choi Hogwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, is known for his genuinely warm-hearted leadership. In particular, his attitude toward people with disabilities is more considerate than that of any other district mayor.
During the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, held from April 8 to April 12, he invited people with visual impairments and organized a "barrier-free companion tour," offering a hands-on experience program where participants could sense spring flowers through touch and smell.
This was the first festival program in Seoul specifically designed for the visually impaired, and it was recognized as an exemplary case in the education and culture sector during Seoul's Socially Disadvantaged Companion Index performance evaluation.
Choi Hogwon's warm-hearted commitment to supporting people with disabilities is truly exceptional.
"I sincerely thank all those who have overcome difficulties and those who have always stood by their side. I hope that this path we walk together will lead to happiness," he said.
These words, delivered by Mayor Choi at the 45th Disability Day event held at Yeongdeungpo Art Hall on April 18, deeply resonated with attendees.
"A Welfare City Where Everyone Is Happy, Yeongdeungpo"... Diverse Disability Day Events Held
The event featured a reading of the Charter of Rights for Persons with Disabilities and cultural performances. In addition, 20 individuals, including outstanding contributors to local disability welfare and exemplary persons with disabilities, were honored with awards from the mayor and the chairman of the district council, adding to the emotional impact of the event.
From April 14 to April 25, a variety of participatory campaigns were also held at Mullae Park and the Lifelong Education Center for People with Developmental Disabilities, including a slogan contest, an exhibition of works by people with developmental disabilities, and an OX quiz. On April 16, the Disabled Family Support Center hosted a campaign and exhibition under the theme "Our Neighbors, Families with Disabilities" in the Mullae Saenggak Factory area, fostering empathy and understanding among local residents.
Selected as "Lifelong Learning City for People with Disabilities" for Three Consecutive Years
The most notable achievement is that Yeongdeungpo District was selected for the third consecutive year in the "Lifelong Learning City for People with Disabilities" competition, organized by the National Institute of Special Education under the Ministry of Education.
This year, Yeongdeungpo District secured 97 million won in national funding, the largest amount among Seoul's autonomous districts, to further strengthen the educational rights and independence of people with disabilities. The budget will be used to operate 49 customized educational programs, including baking and pastry, digital drawing, and AI·AR experiences, and will also be applied to the development of educational facilities incorporating advanced technology and sports activity spaces.
Full Implementation of Injury Insurance for Youth with Disabilities and Mobility Aid Insurance
On April 1, group injury insurance was introduced for all registered youth with disabilities aged 9 to 24. This is intended to support active and growing youth with disabilities so they can safely participate in social activities.
The insurance provides up to 10 million won in case of accidental death, 10,000 won per day for hospitalization due to injury (up to 180 days), and coverage for burn and fracture surgeries. The benefits for injuries can be received in addition to other insurance policies.
Since 2023, all users of powered mobility aids have been automatically enrolled in "powered mobility aid safety insurance" without any separate registration process. In the event that a person or property is damaged while operating a powered mobility aid, coverage of up to 50 million won is provided.
New Childcare Allowance for Families with Disabilities... Establishing a Life-Cycle Support System
Starting this year, Yeongdeungpo District has launched a new "childcare allowance support program" for families with disabilities. For families with children born on or after January 1, 2025, a monthly allowance of 100,000 won per child will be provided. Regardless of disability grade, type, income, or assets, if either parent (the applicant or spouse) has a disability, they are eligible to apply.
In addition, the district provides a "childbirth grant (500,000 won)" for families with disabilities, the "family care support program for children with severe disabilities," and operates the "Support Center for Families with Disabilities," thereby offering welfare services tailored to the life cycle of families with disabilities.
Mayor Choi is widely recognized for his exceptional care and affection for socially disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities and the elderly, creating a warm atmosphere in the community.
Choi Hogwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "The starting point of welfare is to create an environment where no one is excluded from learning and everyone can participate safely. We will continue to build 'Yeongdeungpo, a welfare city where everyone is happy,' where people with and without disabilities live together in harmony."
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