Laos Unites in Celebrating and Honoring Persons with Disabilities on National and International Day 2023
VIENTIANE, LAO PDR — The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nation (UN) in Lao PDR celebrated the National and International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 16. The event was organized by the Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), co-funded by USAID and UNDP, in partnership with the Disability Service Center, Lao Association of the Blind, Hands of Hope, Association for Autism, Disabilities Mainstreaming Advisory Service Center, Women with Disabilities Association, Center for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), Naga Management & Service Sole Co., Ltd, Humanity & Inclusion Laos, World Education, and other organizations that support persons with disabilities.
The event saw a gathering of people from all walks of life who came to celebrate and appreciate the contributions of people with disabilities in the society. The theme for this year’s celebration was “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities,” which highlighted the global commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The morning session was held at the CMR, where a variety of sporting and cultural activities took place, including wheelchair basketball, inclusive football, boccia, goal ball, and petanque. The afternoon session was held at the Parkson shopping mall and was open to the public. It featured exhibitions from several organizations for people with disabilities, showcasing their efforts to improve the lives and well-being of persons with disabilities in Laos. The event featured activities such as wheelchair dance performances, singing, games, sign language dance, K-pop dance, and panel discussions on inclusive employment.
The event was a success, thanks to the efforts of LDPA, USAID, UN in Lao PDR, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Disability Service Center, Lao Association of the Blind, Hands of Hope, Association for Autism, Disabilities Mainstreaming Advisory Service Center, Women with Disabilities Association, CMR, Naga Management & Service Sole Co., Ltd, Humanity & Inclusion Laos, World Education, and other organizations that support people with disabilities. It was a testament to the commitment of these organizations to promote inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Laos.