Six vehicles fitted with lifts and slopes — twice last year's scale — with support of up to 11.2 million won per person; more than 100 people with disabilities and their families attend test-ride event
Nowon-gu in Seoul has expanded its vehicle mobility aid program for people with severe disabilities, aiming to strengthen the right to independent movement for residents with disabilities and their families.
The district completed the installation of lifts, slopes and other assistive devices on six vehicles this year and held a test-ride event Wednesday at the electric mobility device practice lot inside the Jungnangcheon Environment Center, with more than 100 beneficiaries and family members in attendance.
The event included a progress report on the program, a certificate presentation ceremony and test rides of the modified vehicles. Attendees boarded the converted vehicles to experience the boarding and alighting process firsthand and observe the lifts and slopes in operation.
The program is considered significant not only for people with disabilities themselves but also for easing the caregiving burden on their families and broadening opportunities for everyday mobility.
One beneficiary, a 64-year-old surnamed Kwon, had relied on his spouse's help every time he needed to go out due to a physical disability. A recent leg fracture added to the physical strain on his spouse, who had been helping him travel to and from medical appointments. After receiving a vehicle slope through the program, Kwon said he hopes to take family trips with his grandchildren — looking forward not just to essential outings like hospital visits, but to ordinary everyday excursions with his family.
The event also featured free inspection and cleaning services for electric mobility devices. A promotional booth for disability-friendly hospitals provided information on medical facilities and distributed materials, offering a range of services aimed at improving the health and mobility of people with disabilities.
Nowon-gu introduced the vehicle mobility aid pilot program last year as the first of its kind among Seoul's 25 districts, with the goal of improving mobility for people with severe disabilities and reducing the caregiving burden on guardians. After supporting three vehicles last year, the district doubled the scale this year, completing installation on six vehicles in September.
Eligible recipients are people with severe physical or brain lesion disabilities who cannot move without a wheelchair. The district covers installation costs for vehicle lifts, slopes and wheelchair loading devices, as well as vehicle modification costs, up to 11.2 million won per person. Recipients are selected through a suitability review by the district's disability welfare committee.
Nowon-gu has been expanding disability-friendly policies across healthcare, lifestyle and leisure to help people with disabilities live comfortably in their daily lives. The district operates 17 disability-friendly hospitals and two disability-friendly hair salons, and works to improve mobility and daily convenience through barrier-free forest trails, accessible outdoor restroom upgrades, electric mobility device insurance and a dedicated practice facility.
"I hope that people with disabilities and their families, who have hesitated to go out because of the difficulty of getting in and out of vehicles, will be able to enjoy their daily lives more comfortably," Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o said. "We will continue to listen to the voices of people with disabilities and their caregivers, and carry forward disability-friendly policies that make a real difference in everyday life."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
