Hwasun County Named 'Best' in Ministry of Health and Welfare Pilot Project Supporting Independence of People with Disabilities

Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province was selected as the Best Institution for the second consecutive year in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's evaluation of the Pilot Project Supporting the Independence of People with Disabilities, held on December 16.

Group photo commemorating the Ministry of Health and Welfare's evaluation of the Best Institution for the Pilot Project Supporting the Independence of People with Disabilities. Provided by Hwasun County

According to the county on December 17, this evaluation, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute, comprehensively reviewed the overall operation of the pilot project aimed at supporting the independence of people with disabilities in the local community. The review covered the project operation system, the independence outcomes of the beneficiaries, service linkage and cooperation systems, and the sustainability of the project.

Through the pilot project, the county has systematically promoted housing support, daily living assistance, and programs to strengthen independence capabilities, enabling people with disabilities to live stably in the community rather than in facilities.

In particular, the establishment of individualized support plans reflecting each beneficiary's needs and characteristics, the connection of local resources through public-private cooperation, and ongoing monitoring to support the settlement of independence received high praise.

Heo Seonsim, Director of the Social Welfare Division, stated, "This selection is the result of the efforts of all related organizations, workers, and participants who have worked together on the ground for the independence of people with disabilities," adding, "We will continue to build a robust support system to ensure that people with disabilities can lead independent lives in the community."

Meanwhile, based on the results of this evaluation, the county plans to not only ensure the stable operation of the pilot project supporting the independence of people with disabilities but also to accelerate the establishment of institutional and administrative foundations in preparation for the transition to a full-scale project in the future.