On January 13, 2023, the USAID Okard project conducted an Implementation Management Committee (IMC) meeting in Vientiane Capital. The meeting was attended by the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health, the Quality of Life Association (QLA) and relevant partners from provincial and district levels. These key stakeholders reviewed the progress of the USAID Okard project as well as discussed lessons learned, achievements, challenges and future plans of the project in order to support disability inclusion in Lao P.D.R. before the project ends.
Key government stakeholders shared their appreciation for the considerable progress of the USAID Okard project thus far, evidenced by the increased number of people with disabilities who have received rehabilitation, economic and social services over the past six months and they will further continue their work to the fullest, and ultimately realize the goal of USAID Okard to support disability inclusive development.
USAID Okard, funded by USAID and implemented by World Education, Inc., improves access to quality healthcare and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, and supports design and implementation of disability inclusive policies.