Nam Can Tho University Faculty of Law Holds Seminar on “Laws Regarding the Rights of People with Disabilities in Vietnam”

Persons with disabilities in Vietnam represent a segment of the population that faces significant difficulties and disadvantages in daily life. To compensate for these challenges and to enable persons with disabilities to exercise their basic citizenship rights, the government has taken steps to promote equality by creating opportunities for them to live, contribute, and enjoy democratic rights like all other citizens in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Party and the State have consistently prioritized the care and support of persons with disabilities, providing the necessary conditions to help them develop both physically and mentally. Recognizing the profound losses experienced by this community, Vietnam was an early signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, establishing a solid foundation for the development of specific rights and policies for persons with disabilities within the country. Additionally, the National Assembly passed the Law on Persons with Disabilities in 2010, along with various implementing regulations, to address the rights of persons with disabilities and to specify the legal protections and benefits they are entitled to under Vietnamese law.

On August 12, 2024, under the direction of the university’s management board, the Faculty of Law Nam Cần Thơ University organized a seminar for its students with the theme: “Laws Regarding the Rights of People with Disabilities in Vietnam.” This seminar focused on the legal rights and benefits of people with disabilities, as outlined in various legal documents, including the 2013 Constitution, the 2019 Labor Code, and the 2010 Law on Persons with Disabilities. The discussion also covered social welfare policies, educational support, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, specifically targeting students with disabilities at Nam Cần Thơ University.

Ms. Diep My Nhan, Lecturer at the School of Law, Shares Valuable Insights on Policies and Rights of Persons with Disabilities with Students

The central objective of the thematic session is to help students grasp the basic contents of the rights and obligations of persons with disabilities as stipulated by law. This understanding will foster awareness of their personal responsibilities and roles towards their families and communities, encouraging a spirit of progressiveness in their studies and research at Nam Can Tho University.

Through the admission cycles, Nam Can Tho University has received applications from candidates with physical disabilities. Recognizing its responsibility, the university’s management board has issued timely directives to various departments to develop plans and solutions that provide maximum support for students with disabilities, ensuring they have the best possible learning conditions throughout their training. Additionally, the university has initiated activities aimed at the comprehensive development of these students, laying the foundation for their early integration into the higher education environment and facilitating the best possible access to the university’s facilities and learning conditions​.

Duong Manh Khuong, a student with a disability in the Information Technology class (with a leg impairment), shared during the thematic session about his determination to overcome self-doubt and insecurity while studying at the University

At the conclusion of the seminar, Dương Mạnh Khương, a student with disabilities from the Information Technology class, shared his thoughts: “In the past, due to the insecurity caused by my disabled legs and the difficulty in moving around, I increasingly became more self-conscious, dared not to dream, and avoided participating in community activities. I was fortunate to decide to study at Nam Can Tho University, where, thanks to the school’s support policies and the care of my teachers, family, and friends, I gradually overcame my insecurities and became more enthusiastic about my studies and research. After the session, I was equipped with knowledge about the rights, obligations, and social policies specifically for people with disabilities, which has given me greater confidence in my journey to become a good citizen for society.”

Employee Nguyen Thanh An has a disability in one leg and is working at the Center for Software Development and Application at Southern Can Tho University.

Not only does Nam Can Tho University support and create favorable conditions for current students, but for many years, the university has also provided job opportunities for students with disabilities after graduation. Nguyễn Thanh Ân, who has a disability affecting both legs and is currently working in the Information Technology Department at Nam Can Tho University, was previously a student in the Information Technology class DH19TIN01. After a period of perseverance and overcoming difficulties in his studies, Thanh Ân was offered a position at the university upon graduation. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities in finding suitable jobs that match their abilities, helping them overcome the inconveniences caused by physical impairments. This initiative fosters a generation of young pioneers who are determined and resilient, daring to dream, strive, and achieve, serving as an inspiration to others in similar situations within society. Through specific policies, a spirit of care, and timely support, Nam Can Tho University believes it will continue to provide motivation and inspiration to students and staff with disabilities who are working and studying at the university. This, in turn, will help spread positive values throughout the community.