Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A. – From December 1 – 9, 2023, MIUSA convened 15 high-level delegates from Vietnam for an intensive Study Tour to learn about policies, laws, model services, programs and systems of support for people with disabilities in the United States. Delegates gained invaluable first-hand experiences of inclusive communities, in which independence, equal opportunities and full participation of citizens with disabilities are expected in school, work, and community life.
While in Eugene, Vietnamese delegates engaged in interactive seminars and professional meetings, site visits, and cross-cultural activities. During these activities, they had opportunities to meet youth and adults with disabilities, policy-makers, and government agency administrators, and participated in discussions with established non-governmental organizations led by people with disabilities.
The high-level delegation, selected by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Vietnam mission, included individuals positioned to be champions for disability inclusion in Vietnam. Delegates represented the following agencies and organizations:
- Ministry of Defense’s National Action Center for Chemical and Environmental Treatment (NACCET)
- Ministry of Health
- Vietnam Government Office 701
- Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)
- Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange (VAVA)
- Vietnam Federation on Disability (VFD)
- Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP)
A representative from USAID/Vietnam also joined the delegation.
This program was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), implemented by the Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP), and administered by MIUSA. The Study Tour was supported through USAID/Vietnam’s INCLUSION Project.
Initiated in 2021, the INCLUSION project partners with the Vietnamese government, local organizations, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s rehabilitation system and community support networks to ensure that all persons with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in society while improving their overall quality of life. The project is focused on seven provinces heavily sprayed with Agent Orange during the war in Vietnam and provides direct assistance to persons with significant disabilities, improves and expands rehabilitation and social services, and enhances policy implementation.
