This project aims to support the quality of life of people with disabilities in provinces heavily affected by Agent Orange. During the Vietnam War, Agent Orange was used as a tactical herbicide to kill crops and vegetation. Unfortunately, this tactic contains high levels of dioxin, which can result in long-term health problems such as birth defects.
This project was implemented in three Provinces: Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam. The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the management of the Project Owner of the National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET), under the Ministry of Defense, through the funding management organization Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population(CCIHP).
The sub-project “Increasing Inclusion for People with Disabilities in Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam” was implemented by the Alliance of All for Inclusion (AAI) with five members, including Viet Nam Health Improvement Project (VNHIP), Quang Tri Charity Association (QCA), RENEW project, Research Center for Inclusion (RCI), and Funds of Genetic Counseling & Disabled Children (FGCDC).
Our Goals
01
Rehab for PWDs
Improve community-based care services for people with disabilities.
02
Community-Based
Improve community-based care services for people with disabilities.
03
Public Awareness and Stigma
Increase public awareness and social stigma around people with disabilities.
Highlight Results
🩺 2,543 PWDs were screened and identified as needing intervention.
🏠 941 PWDs received rehabilitation services at home and in hospitals from 25 physical therapists,5 speech therapists and 5 doctors.
👩⚕️ 1,118 PWDs received home-based care from 14 nurses, 5 doctors and local medical staff.
👨👩👧 1131 family members/caregivers were trained in home care skills for PWDs.
♿ 303 PWDs received accessibility support, including handrail installation in toilets, bathrooms, and stairs. We’ve also provided wheelchair-friendly ramps and upgraded toilets.
🏢 107 commune officers were trained to work with PWDs and to monitor community-based rehabilitation programs.
🎓 39 rehabilitation technicians from health centers, hospitals, and private facilities received updated rehabilitation training.
Our Activities
NO BARRIER CLASSES
More than 10 training classes have been organized for caregivers, bringing together over 200 caregivers and family members from diverse backgrounds, such as age, gender, and occupation. We proudly call them “Classes with No Barrier”. Our youngest participant was just 15 years old, and the eldest was an inspiring 82-year-old.
“This is the first time I have ever attended a class in my life,” shared Ms. Cuu, an 80-year-old student from Tam An commune. Unable to read or write, she relied on fellow group members to read out loud to her so she could complete her tests. To her surprise, she answered every question correctly.
These classes were filled with laughter and heartfelt moments, earning appreciation from all participants. Beyond gaining essential caregiving knowledge and skills, students also found a safe space to share their struggles, challenges, and pressures in caring for their loved ones.
At VNHIP, we are deeply honored to organize these “first-ever” classes, ones that are not only educational but also profoundly meaningful and unforgettable.
Field Visit to PWD Beneficiary Households – Agent Orange Provinces
According to “National Survey on People with Disabilities in Vietnam 2016-2017,” conducted by the Vietnam General Statistics Office and UNICEF, accessibility in schools remains very limited. Only 2.9% of schools have designs suitable for people with disabilities, and only 8.1% have walkways and ramps. On top of that, only 9.9% of the schools have restrooms designed appropriately for people with disabilities. These numbers illustrate the important need for a more inclusive infrastructure within schools so that we can provide people with disabilities (PWDs) an environment where they can grow and thrive..
Success Stories
Regaining Mobility and Hope
For eight years, Bác Trần Ngọc Ánh lived with the long-lasting effects of a stroke. After suffering from a hip fracture, he was unable to be independent and became bedridden.
Fortunately, everything began to change when Project Inclusion 1 stepped in. With the support of dedicated therapists, personalized rehabilitation exercises, and adaptive assistance, he made remarkable progress. Today, he can stand, walk with support, and even care for himself independently. All of which he thought was impossible, became possible.
A Voice Begins to Grow
Born with a language disorder and Down Syndrome, Phuoc struggled to communicate. Project Inclusion 1 allowed him to work with dedicated speech therapists every week. With their support and Phuoc’s hard work, he made remarkable progress. Today, he can confidently speak, interact well with his family, and warmly welcome guests with a bright smile. His journey is a reminder of how the right support can transform a child’s life.
