HÀ NỘI — More and more people with disabilities have jobs and actively integrate into the labour market, chairwoman of the Hà Nội Disabled People’s Association, Dương Thị Vân, said at a meeting held in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

The meeting was held in response to Vietnam Day for People with Disabilities on April 18. The event attracted the participation of more than 100 people from centres for disabled people all over the capital city.

With help from society and efforts of people with disabilities themselves, the community has gradually changed preconceptions about disabled people, she said.

The community saw that they could be self-reliant and that they had abilities to contribute to their families and society.

Vân hoped that more events would be held to offer opportunities for disabled people to have jobs, and gain more knowledge on policies and laws related to people with disabilities.

“The events will also help people with disabilities strongly express their dreams and aspirations about their rights, rights of equality and real integration into the community,” she said.

Nguyễn Thị Hà, a disabled girl, said that with the support of many individuals and organisations, people with disabilities have belief in life and the future.

“We have more choice for jobs and our future, and we have more energy to overcome obstacles in our lives,” said Hà.

Hà now realised that people with disability could be successful, and the most important thing was that they had persistance and patience.

“Taking a look around to see that life has many good things, and opening your heart to receive and do those good things for yourself, your family and the community,” she said.

Dozens of the disabled took part in a performance named “Beyond the limits”, including singing, dancing and a puppet show. — VNS