Dongdaemun-gu Expands Disability Welfare with AI and Smart Technologies

Building a Customized Support System for Each Type of Disability

Seoul's Dongdaemun-gu (District Mayor Lee Philhyoung) is expanding customized support by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies into disability welfare services, based on its vision of becoming an "AI Coexistence City."

A program using digital content technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) is underway at the Smart Development Training Center (AI Dongteuneun Center) of the Dongdaemun District-run Comprehensive Welfare Center for Persons with Disabilities. Provided by Dongdaemun-gu.

The district is building an integrated support system that encompasses education, rehabilitation, and care, under a policy of not limiting technology to simple exhibitions but instead using it in practical ways to help people with disabilities regain independence and resume daily life.

The Dongdaemun Vision-Specialized Welfare Center for the Disabled is operating one-on-one customized training programs for people with visual impairments on basic smartphone use and AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini). Participants are improving their digital capabilities according to their individual levels while learning how to apply the latest technologies in their everyday lives.

Group AI training programs for people with developmental disabilities are also being offered. The goal is to build confidence and strengthen digital competencies through creative activities such as video editing, music production, and filmmaking using AI tools, along with smartphone use.

The Dongdaemun-gu Municipal Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled is also participating in the development of an AI-based app that supports everyday communication for people with developmental disabilities. The app, which includes functions for conversation support, emotional support, and daily routine management, is being prepared for commercialization.

In the field of rehabilitation, the Smart Developmental Training Center (AI Dongteuneun Center) provides rehabilitation therapy, physical fitness enhancement, and vocational training programs using augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies. It also operates a robot rehabilitation program for people with physical disabilities to support functional recovery, including muscle strengthening and improved joint range of motion.

An official from the district said, "We will continue to expand welfare services based on AI and smart technologies and step up our support so that people with disabilities can lead more independent and stable lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.