Perspectives for Children with Handicap

In Vietnam itself, around 7.8 percent of the population – some 6.1 million people – live with disabilities. And the number of births of people with physical and mental disabilities is above average. This is also due to the late effects of the dioxin-containing defoliant Agent Orange, which was used by the Americans in the Vietnam War. Since the end of the war in 1975, some 150,000 children with physical and mental disabilities have been born in the country. The families of these children rarely receive financial support. Instead, they are often discriminated and stigmatized. Also due to the lack of educational facilities and infrastructure, disabled people remain restricted in their full participation in society. Without special support, they are unable to develop their potential and are denied the chance of a self-determined life.

On the one hand, many parents are overburdened with the sometimes lifelong care of their children, or are overwhelmed by the lack of knowledge about the disability. There is a lack of kindergartens, schools and training centres that are equipped to meet the special needs of these people. Likewise, there are only a few qualified teaching staff in Vietnam. Therefore, the care of children is often the sole responsibility of the parents. This also aggravates their economic situation, as they are often unable to work due to the care of their children.The fact that many Vietnamese see disabilities as fate or bad karma for the family also leads to social exclusion of the disabled children and their families.

The aim of the project is to support especially children with autism. A lot of emphasis is placed on the development of methods and concepts, which in turn are passed on to parents and teachers through training and further education.

The project also aims to support organisations, schools and groups in developing their skills and facilities. A very impressive example was the implementation of a curriculum for children with autism. Thanks to the good results achieved at a pilot project school, this was introduced throughout Vietnam as part of a government programme. As a result, thousands benefit from the improved teaching methods through multiplication. In particular, the training of teachers so that they can adapt their teaching to the needs of children with autism is the focus of our work in Vietnam. In addition, children with autism are supported through special speech and behavior therapy. In this way they learn to communicate and acquire important skills on their way to independence. The children’s parents are also involved and specially trained so that they can communicate better with their children, some of whom are non-verbal, and continue to support them at home.

The children should be encouraged in their own initiative and creativity and thus be given a long-term chance for a self-determined life. Through early intervention, proper treatment and special education, enormous development opportunities are opened up. In addition, the burden on families is considerably reduced. The project also aims to raise awareness of people with mental or physical disabilities in politics and society and reduce discrimination against them. Through economic and social support, the children and their families are to be enabled to escape poverty and participate in society within the scope of their abilities. Overall, the project aims to improve the children’s quality of life.