Within the framework of the project “Improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in provinces sprayed with Agent Orange” funded by the U.S. Government, the Research Centre for Inclusion (RCI), in coordination with commune-level People’s Committees in Quang Tri Province, organized a series of communication and community-connection activities for persons with disabilities from 12 to 14 December 2025. The series consisted of two key events: the Photovoice – Using Photography to Tell Stories program and the Community Connection Festival for Persons with Disabilities.
The Photovoice program took place on 12 December 2025 at the Gio Linh Commune Hall and on 13 December 2025 at the Thuong Xa Village Cultural House. Through photographs and stories created and shared by persons with disabilities themselves, the program conveyed authentic perspectives on their daily lives, rehabilitation needs, and potential for community inclusion. The activity also contributed to raising public awareness of the roles, capacities, and rights of persons with disabilities to access essential services.
As part of the Photovoice program, a range of meaningful activities were organized, including cultural performances, exhibitions of submitted photographs by persons with disabilities, presentations and storytelling behind each photo, and interactive quiz activities for participants. These activities helped create a lively atmosphere while fostering empathy and mutual understanding between persons with disabilities and the wider community.
Continuing the activity series, the Community Connection Festival for Persons with Disabilities was held on 14 December 2025 at the Nam Hai Lang Commune Cultural House. The event was organized in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in line with the global theme “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” The day provided an open and welcoming space for persons with disabilities, their families, and local residents to meet, interact, and participate in collective activities. Inclusive physical games, group activities, and cultural performances were designed to match the abilities of persons with disabilities, encouraging active participation and a strong sense of connection among all attendees. Through these activities, persons with disabilities were given opportunities to express themselves, strengthen family bonds, and enhance their engagement with the surrounding community.
Overall, the series of communication and community-connection activities attracted more than 250 participants, including persons with disabilities, caregivers, representatives of provincial departments and agencies of Quang Tri, representatives of project communes, and local residents. The activities not only raised community awareness but also demonstrated shared commitment, solidarity, and collective efforts to promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the central region of Viet Nam.
The events were covered by media agencies, helping to spread the meaning of the project:
- Hai Lang Regional Television:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1574533137020554
- Hai Lang Commune Electronic Information Page:
https://hailang.quangtri.gov.vn/vi/chi-tiet-tin/-/view-article/1/1651197512981/1765763716113
For more information about the project, please access our website at this link:
RCI.NLR or follow our Facebook page at: Research Center for Inclusion