Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 96 million people. Disability is not uncommon in Vietnam, with an estimated 7% of the population having some form of disability. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Vietnam. In this article, we will explore the common attitudes towards disability in Vietnam, discrimination and legislation issues, public transport and building access, and advocacy groups.
Attitudes towards Disability
In Vietnam, there is a cultural belief that disability is a result of bad karma or a punishment for past sins. This belief can result in people with disabilities being treated poorly, and sometimes being excluded from certain aspects of society. Additionally, many people with disabilities in Vietnam face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and exclusion.
However, there are also positive attitudes towards disability in Vietnam. Many people believe that people with disabilities can still contribute to society and have valuable skills and talents. In recent years, there have been efforts to promote disability inclusion in Vietnam, with the government launching campaigns to raise awareness about disability and promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Discrimination and Legislation Issues
Despite the positive attitudes towards disability in Vietnam, there are still discrimination and legislation issues that people with disabilities face. For example, discrimination in employment is common, with many employers reluctant to hire people with disabilities. People with disabilities also face challenges in accessing education and healthcare services.
In terms of legislation, the Law on Persons with Disabilities was enacted in 2010, which aims to protect the rights and promote the participation of people with disabilities in society. The law provides for equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services, as well as requiring public buildings and transportation to be accessible to people with disabilities. However, implementation of the law has been slow, and many people with disabilities still face barriers in accessing their rights.
Public Transport and Building Access
In Vietnam, public transport and building access for people with disabilities is generally poor. Many buildings and public spaces are not designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult for people with disabilities to navigate and access services. Public transportation is also often inaccessible, with few buses or trains equipped with features such as wheelchair ramps or priority seating for people with disabilities.
In recent years, there have been some improvements in building access and public transport. For example, the government has launched programs to retrofit public buildings and transport to make them more accessible. However, progress has been slow, and many people with disabilities still face significant barriers in accessing services and participating in society.
Advocacy Groups
There are several advocacy groups in Vietnam that work to promote the rights of people with disabilities and improve their lives. These groups provide a range of services, including education, employment support, and community outreach. Some of the major advocacy groups in Vietnam include:
Disability Research and Capacity Development Center (DRD): DRD is a nonprofit organization that works to promote the rights of people with disabilities through research, advocacy, and capacity building.
Vietnam Federation on Disability (VFD): VFD is a national organization that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and works to improve their access to services and opportunities.
Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities: This organization provides a range of services to people with disabilities in Hanoi, including education, vocational training, and community outreach.
Saigon Association of People with Disabilities: This organization provides support and advocacy for people with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City, including education, employment, and healthcare services.
In conclusion, disability is a significant issue in Vietnam, with many people facing discrimination and barriers to accessing services and opportunities. While there have been efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities in recent years, there is still much work to be done.