Assembly Speaker Lee Jae-jin and 13 other members attend; 24 booths offer hands-on activities, performances and employment support
The Gangnam-gu Assembly brought together people with and without disabilities at a community festival aimed at fostering mutual understanding and social inclusion.
The assembly attended the Gangnam Disability Festival at Maru Park in Irwon-dong on Friday afternoon, joining people with disabilities, their families and local residents in a gathering meant to reflect on the value of living together as a community.
Held to mark the 46th Disability Awareness Day, the event drew about 800 attendees, including Assembly Speaker Lee Jae-jin, Deputy Speaker Kim Hyeon-jeong, Economy and Urban Affairs Committee Chair Song Yeong-gwang, Welfare and Culture Committee Chair Oh On-nuri and 10 other assembly members, as well as National Assembly lawmakers Seo Myeong-ok and Park Su-min and Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyeon-gi.
The festival opened with a percussion ensemble performance by Sorimoa, a group from Milal School — a special school for students with developmental disabilities — followed by a stage set by trot music singer Bae A-hyeon. The program then moved to a commendation ceremony honoring individuals who contributed to improving welfare for people with disabilities, and a plaque presentation recognizing companies that have led efforts to expand employment of people with disabilities.
Hands-on programs that brought together participants with and without disabilities drew particular attention. Activities included wheelchair and electric mobility aid cleaning services, traditional Korean ring-toss and shuffleboard games, sign language lessons, Braille block experiences, audio book demonstrations and an exhibition of artwork by people with developmental disabilities — all designed to deepen understanding of disability and open channels of communication.
Twenty-four experience booths also provided practical employment-related services, including job counseling, vocational skills assessments and employment support guidance for people with disabilities. The event went beyond a simple festival to serve as a platform supporting the economic independence and social participation of people with disabilities.
"Through this event, we must reflect on the meaning of a society where everyone is respected and lives together," Assembly Speaker Lee said. "The rights, welfare and independence of people with disabilities can be realized when we reduce discrimination and inconvenience in daily life and expand opportunities for social participation."
Lee added that the Gangnam-gu Assembly would listen closely to the voices of people with disabilities and their families, and would back the policies and systems needed for people with disabilities to live as full and capable members of the local community.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
