Seongnam Medical Center: "Autism Is Simply a Different Way"
Celebrating the Achievements of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Director Han Hoseong: "Seongnam Medical Center Will Be a Steadfast Companion on the Autism Journey"
On November 12, the Behavioral Development Promotion Center at Seongnam Medical Center in Gyeonggi Province successfully hosted the 4th Autism Awards ceremony at Seongnam Medical Center. The event was organized to celebrate the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities and to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to supporting them.
Seong Ho-sung, Director of Seongnam Medical Center, is delivering a greeting at the '4th Autism Awards' ceremony held at Seongnam Medical Center on the 12th. Photo by Seongnam Medical Center
Since being designated as a Behavioral Development Promotion Center by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2021, Seongnam Medical Center has annually encouraged the efforts of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and related professionals through the Autism Awards. Now in its fourth year, the event was held as a comprehensive cultural gathering, combining an awards ceremony with cultural performances.
In his congratulatory remarks, Seongnam Medical Center Director Han Hoseong stated, "The small seed we planted in 2021 has now grown into a strong tree," adding, "The courage and efforts of individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and medical staff who take on new challenges every day are making Seongnam a warmer community."
He further emphasized the importance of proper understanding and empathy regarding developmental disabilities, saying, "Autism is simply a different way of engaging with the world."
During the awards ceremony, recipients were selected in various categories, including families of individuals with developmental disabilities, medical staff, and volunteers.
Director Han Hoseong remarked, "Everyone is already a shining protagonist in their own place," and pledged, "Seongnam Medical Center will be a steadfast companion on the autism journey."
Following the ceremony, the "Culture Without Prejudice Festival" featured performances by individuals with developmental disabilities, who took to the stage to showcase their talents. The event vividly demonstrated artistic capabilities through acts such as the "Magic Show Opening Hope" by the Together Walk Vocational Rehabilitation Center and a vocal performance by the Miracle Voice Ensemble.
Seongnam Medical Center held the 4th Autism Awards ceremony on the 12th. Photo by Seongnam Medical Center
Kwon Ahye, Director of the Behavioral Development Promotion Center, expressed her hope that "through shared experiences in music and the arts, both people with and without developmental disabilities will come to understand and respect one another, fostering a more inclusive culture."
Seongnam Medical Center was designated in July 2021 as the first public medical institution to serve as a base hospital and Behavioral Development Promotion Center for individuals with developmental disabilities. After being re-designated in July 2024, it continues to provide specialized and comprehensive services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Gyeonggi Province, leading the way in building an inclusive community free from prejudice.
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