Ho Chi Minh City targets vocational training, job support for 7,000 people with disabilities by 2030

The targets were outlined at a conference held by the municipal People’s Committee on Friday afternoon to review the city’s assistance program for people with disabilities in the 2022-25 period and launch the program for 2026-30.

Under the program for 2026-30, the city aims to ensure that 90 percent of people with disabilities can access healthcare services through various forms of care each year, while 80 percent of children from birth to six years old are screened for congenital disabilities and developmental disorders and receive early intervention where needed.

At least 90 percent of children with disabilities of preschool and general education age groups are expected to have access to education, while 7,000 people with disabilities who need and qualify for support will receive vocational training and job assistance.

The city also aims to ensure that at least 50 percent of people with disabilities who need to travel can use transportation services.

Ho Chi Minh City will also focus on public awareness campaigns and assistance in healthcare, education, employment, disease prevention, disaster response, access to information technology, and legal aid.

Other priorities include supporting people with disabilities in cultural, sports and tourism activities, as well as assisting women with disabilities and helping people with disabilities live independently and integrate into the community.

According to a report by the city’s steering committee for disability affairs, the assistance program for 2022-25 has delivered practical benefits across Ho Chi Minh City.

The city currently has two specialized rehabilitation hospitals, eight general hospitals and eight specialized hospitals with rehabilitation departments.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of local health stations have assigned staff to oversee rehabilitation services and support for people with disabilities.

The city also has 39 special education facilities, 18 centers supporting inclusive education development, and 21 specialized schools for students with disabilities.

Toward a barrier-free, inclusive and equal city

Speaking at the conference, Nguyen Manh Cuong, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said assisting people with disabilities requires a strong sense of responsibility and sustained efforts.

The city is working toward becoming a barrier-free, inclusive and equal city that respects the rights of humans and helps people overcome feelings of inferiority, he said.

To achieve this goal, Cuong called on agencies and personnel involved in disability assistance to raise public awareness through outreach and communications, strengthen coordination with the highest sense of responsibility, and review existing support policies for people with disabilities.

He added that Ho Chi Minh City is promoting rapid and sustainable socioeconomic development while improving residents’ quality of life.

“As socioeconomic development improves, we will have more resources and better conditions to care for and support disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities,” Cuong stressed.

The vice chairman expressed confidence that the targets set for 2026-30 could be achieved ahead of schedule if efforts were focused and carried out with determination and collective commitment.