Disability Awareness: A Long Road Ahead in Our Society

(Disability Awareness Newspaper) =Choi Bong-hyeok Columnist (AI, ESG, and DX Convergence Expert, Workplace Disability Awareness Training Specialist)

1. Importance of Ensuring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees the basic rights of persons with disabilities equally with those of non-disabled persons based on Article 10, which states the inherent dignity and value of human beings, and Article 11, which states the right to equality. However, the reality is far from this. Disability is a limitation created by social and material foundations, and this leads to a violation of the basic rights of persons with disabilities.

2. Disability Rights Charter: A Declaration for an Equal Society

The Disability Rights Charter, proclaimed in 1998, is a declaration demanding the elimination of discrimination against persons with disabilities and equal treatment. The Charter emphasizes the participation and guarantee of rights of persons with disabilities in all areas of life, including political, economic, social, educational, and cultural aspects. However, according to the 2017 Disability Status Survey, persons with disabilities still experience discrimination in various areas such as school life, employment, and access to medical institutions.

3. Disability Awareness Training: Efforts to Change Social Perceptions

A change in social perception is essential to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities. Disability awareness training has been introduced for this purpose.

Training based on the ｢Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities｣ aims to raise awareness of disabilities across all areas, including the national and local governments, educational institutions, and public organizations.

Workplace disability awareness training based on the ｢Act on Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities｣ aims to raise awareness among employers and employees to promote the employment and job security of persons with disabilities.

4. Disability Awareness Training that Requires Continuous Effort and Improvement

As of May 29, 2019, all employers and employees must take at least one hour of workplace disability awareness training annually. However, the effectiveness of the training is still insufficient, and further efforts are needed to improve awareness across society.

5. Suggestions for Improving Disability Awareness

Improving Training Content and Methods:

Training should go beyond simply delivering knowledge and should enhance participants' understanding through experiential learning and discussions.

Training should be differentiated to reflect the characteristics and diversity of each type of disability.

Expanding the Target Audience:

Training should be provided to a wider range of audiences, including students, youth, general citizens, as well as public and private sector employees, and medical professionals.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:

The effectiveness of training should be continuously evaluated, and areas for improvement should be addressed.

The direct participation of persons with disabilities should be reflected in the improvement of training programs.

6. Building an Equal and Inclusive Society Together

Improving disability awareness is essential not only for guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities but also for the advancement of our society. All members of society must participate actively in improving perceptions of persons with disabilities and creating a society that is equal and inclusive.

7. Additional Information

Laws and Guidelines Related to Disability Awareness Training:

Article 41 and Article 42 of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities

Article 33 of the Act on Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities

Disability Awareness Training Guidelines (Ministry of Health and Welfare)

Disability Awareness Training Institutions and Programs:

Korea Disability Welfare Institute

Disability Awareness Training Center (Ministry of Health and Welfare)

Disability-related institutions in each local government