Bridging digital divide for children with disabilities in Viet Nam
Swiss-funded project helps children with disabilities in Quang Binh
The Government has approved a master plan on supporting children with disabilities in accessing protection, care and education services for the 2026-2030 period.
Under the plan, by 2030, at least 80 percent of children from birth to six years of age will be screened for the early detection of congenital disabilities and developmental disorders and receive early intervention for various forms of disability.
Meanwhile, 90 percent of children with disabilities will receive assessments, have intervention support plans developed when needed, and be connected with appropriate intervention support services.
In addition, 90 percent of children with disabilities of preschool and general school age will have access to appropriate education.
All children with disabilities receiving inclusive education will have individualized education plans (IEPs) in accordance with regulations while all children with disabilities identified as victims of abuse, violence, exploitation or neglect will receive timely and appropriate support and intervention.
All children with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria stipulated by law will receive social assistance and health insurance.
Furthermore, half of existing public facilities, social assistance establishments, schools and healthcare facilities will be renovated and upgraded to provide essential accessibility features for children with disabilities.
Besides, 90 percent of provinces and centrally-run cities will establish and implement case management systems, develop service networks and launch intersectoral support services for children with disabilities, while piloting care models for these children.
According to Viet Nam's 2023 Disability Survey, approximately 556,000 children live with disabilities. These children face substantial challenges in accessing quality education, with only 68 percent attending primary school and a dramatic drop to only 30 percent at the upper secondary level./.