Limited physical access to public buildings as well as lower access to health care, education, employment, and transportation prevents persons with disabilities from economic and social inclusion. Since 2019, USAID’s Raising Voices, Creating Opportunities project, implemented by the Action for Community Development Center (ACDC) - a disability rights advocacy organization, has been working to improve persons with disabilities’ physical access to public buildings.
Key actions include training on national building access regulations; technical workshops to educate contractors, construction inspection entities, and other stakeholders on accessibility issues; and monitoring newly constructed buildings. Ms. Thuy, a representative of Thua Thien Hue province’s Department of Construction, commended the positive impact of the project saying, “As a result of USAID and ACDC’s efforts, 28 new public buildings in Thua Thien Hue have been made accessible to persons with disabilities in 2019.” In addition, since the project was launched a year ago, several schools, banks, and a police station were also made accessible. In the coming months, continued accessibility improvements are expected at other provincial facilities.
So What? Increased access to public buildings will assist persons with disabilities in exercising their basic rights, including access to public services, and help them fully integrate themselves into society and become independent.