Forum Held to Explore Directions for the Advancement of Driving Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities
Seeking Effective Support Systems and Driving Simulator Utilization
Experts Emphasize the Need for Comprehensive Services and Expanded Financial Support
The Daejeon City Council held a forum to discuss the necessity of driving rehabilitation for people with acquired disabilities, aiming to support their reintegration into society and guarantee their right to mobility, as well as to explore ways to utilize driving simulators.
On September 5, the Welfare and Environment Committee of the Daejeon Metropolitan Council hosted a policy forum on "Exploring Directions for the Advancement of Driving Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities" in the Communication Room on the third floor of the council building, presided over by Assemblywoman Hwang Kyunga (People Power Party, Proportional Representation).
This forum was organized in collaboration with the Daejeon Center for Social Reintegration of People with Acquired Disabilities.
Professor Kim Sookyung from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Konyang University, who delivered the keynote presentation, explained that while the current support system for drivers with disabilities has strengths such as adaptive regulations, integration of assistive technologies, and free driving education, there is a need to establish a comprehensive system and to expand and strengthen specialized driving rehabilitation services in order to balance public safety with the right to mobility and social integration for people with disabilities.
To achieve this, Professor Kim proposed: ▲ strengthening financial support ▲ enhancing inter-agency cooperation and proactive public outreach ▲ continuous integration of technology and research and development ▲ and reinforcing services tailored for people with acquired disabilities.
The designated panel discussion featured Kim Dongmin, Deputy Director of the Daejeon Didimdol Driver's License Support Center; Jung Jaeun, Director of the Daejeon Developmental Disabilities Training Center; Lee Chanwoo, Director of the Daejeon Center for Social Reintegration of People with Acquired Disabilities; and Noh Sangkwon, Director of the Welfare Division for People with Disabilities at Daejeon Metropolitan City. They presented on topics such as the role and direction of the Didimdol Driver's License Support Center in assisting people with disabilities and other socially disadvantaged groups in obtaining driver's licenses, the necessity of driving rehabilitation for people with disabilities, and the effectiveness of driving rehabilitation from the perspective of those directly affected. The panel engaged in a lively discussion on ways to promote and enhance support for driving rehabilitation.
Assemblywoman Hwang Kyunga, who chaired the forum, stated, "The greatest challenge after acquiring a disability is the restriction of mobility. Driving rehabilitation goes beyond simply securing a means of transportation; it contributes to greater social participation, economic independence, and improved quality of life." She added, "Based on the discussions held today, the Daejeon City Council will do its utmost to further strengthen institutional and financial foundations to guarantee the right to mobility and independence for people with disabilities," expressing her commitment to support.
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