Recently, for the first time, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has had a National Assembly deputy with disabilities, bringing broader and more multidimensional perspectives. This demonstrates that people with disabilities are not merely individuals in need of care and support, but also active subjects with capabilities and voices of their own, able to contribute positively to policymaking and participate in political and social life.
In addition, the launch of the Viet Nam Disability Fashion Show marked the first fashion programme in the country dedicated specifically to people with disabilities. More recently, a vocational handicraft support centre for people with disabilities was launched under a special mechanism approved by Ha Noi authorities.
To raise awareness of the rights, roles and potential of people with disabilities in society, the Viet Nam Youth with Disabilities Association organised Inspire Fest – Inspiration Day 2026 in April 2026. The event carries particular social significance and is intended to become an annual nationwide programme, demonstrating the Association’s companionship and responsibility towards people with disabilities in general and young people with disabilities in particular.
Inspire Fest 2026 was not only a networking and exchange event, as had been the case with previous programmes, but also considered a social forum aimed at providing a fuller perspective on the roles, capabilities and contributions of people with disabilities in economic, cultural and social life.
At the event, many outstanding young people with disabilities inspired audiences through their personal stories of resilience and determination in overcoming hardship. The appearance of singer Dinh Viet Tuong, who lives with Tourette syndrome, on the Inspire Fest 2026 stage became a tremendous source of motivation for thousands of delegates attending the programme.
According to Pham Van Thanh, Chairman of the Viet Nam Youth with Disabilities Association, Inspire Fest is a series of programmes held in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Ha Noi, incorporating a wide range of activities including exhibitions of handicraft products, cultural and entertainment spaces, healthcare services, employment counselling, sports activities, AI technology showcases, thematic discussions and, notably, the Inspire Night music concert featuring singers with disabilities alongside well-known artists.
“We hope the programme will become an emotionally meaningful highlight that honours resilience, talent and the aspiration to contribute, while spreading a spirit of positive living throughout the community,” Thanh shared.
At Inspire Fest 2026 in Ha Noi alone, the Viet Nam Youth with Disabilities Association coordinated with relevant organisations to provide 100,000 scholarships for courses on the use of AI tools, 1,000 online courses on personal development in the digital era, and 200 support packages including wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs. The programme also included medical examinations and the provision of 100 free orthopaedic and heart surgeries for people with disabilities facing difficult circumstances.
These efforts demonstrate practical, comprehensive and humane care directly linked to the need to improve capacity, expand educational and employment opportunities, and strengthen social integration for people with disabilities.
Through a series of new policies on disability issues introduced by the Party and the State, alongside programmes implemented by agencies and organisations — notably the Viet Nam Youth with Disabilities Association — the message of a society that respects differences, values human dignity and leaves no one behind will continue to spread widely.
It is hoped that increasing social resources will be mobilised to support people with disabilities, enabling disadvantaged young people to develop their abilities, participate more deeply and make meaningful contributions to society.
