The Vietnamese Government has approved a plan to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to study, work, start businesses and participate in social activities. The plan is intended to help them develop their abilities, live independently and take part in society.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra signed Decision No. 2071/QD-TTg on October 30, 2026. The decision approves a plan to implement Directive No. 14-CT/TW, dated September 22, 2026, on disability-related affairs.
By 2030, the plan seeks to provide social security and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Priority will go to those facing hardship or unable to support themselves. It also provides for their participation in elected bodies and access to the country's development achievements.
Social policies will be improved to better protect the rights of people with disabilities, guarantee minimum living standards, support health insurance and help them develop their abilities, independence and participation in social life.
Children from birth to six years old will receive screening for the early detection of congenital disabilities and developmental disorders, followed by appropriate early intervention. Children and adults with disabilities will have access to orthopaedic surgery, rehabilitation and suitable assistive devices.
Children with disabilities of preschool and school age will have opportunities to receive inclusive education suited to their needs. Those in need will receive help with vocational skills, job placement, livelihood loans, entrepreneurship and production or business development.
New buildings and renovated or upgraded public facilities must meet accessibility standards. People with disabilities will also receive support in accessing public services, information and communications technology services and free legal aid.
Provinces and cities will develop sports facilities and clubs, support the participation of people with disabilities in physical education and sports, and create opportunities for them to access cultural, artistic, recreational and other social activities.
Towards an inclusive social security system
With a vision to 2045, the plan seeks to build an inclusive, equitable and accessible social security system for people with disabilities. It aims to improve their quality of life, help them live independently, enjoy the results of socio-economic development and contribute to national development.
The plan identifies six main groups of tasks and solutions. They include raising awareness and responsibility among Party committees, authorities, organisations and the public regarding disability affairs. It also calls for stronger leadership, inspection and supervision, action against stigma and discrimination, and the development of a respectful and equitable society.
The document calls for improvements to laws and policies and the effective implementation of international commitments on the rights of people with disabilities. Access to social security, healthcare, education, rehabilitation, vocational training, employment and legal aid is to be expanded. Science and technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation will be developed to improve their capabilities and quality of life.
Priority will be given to disability prevention, early detection and intervention, including efforts to reduce disabilities caused by traffic and occupational accidents and diseases. Attention will focus on children with disabilities, Agent Orange victims and other disadvantaged groups through health counselling and screening programmes.
People will be encouraged to receive pre-marital health counselling and check-ups, prenatal and newborn screening, and age-appropriate screening for common diseases and disability risks. Particular attention will be paid to children up to six years old.
Accessibility will be integrated into policymaking, planning, construction and public service delivery. The plan provides for investment in public facilities, transport infrastructure and assistive technologies, as well as an integrated and safe assistive technology ecosystem supported by digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
The plan also provides for the early detection of developmental disorders in children and expanded inclusive education, vocational training and specialised support, particularly for autistic children and those with special educational needs.
Law enforcement agencies and local authorities must strengthen measures to prevent and strictly handle violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment, discrimination and the exploitation of people with disabilities for personal gain.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
