South Korea to double day services for adults with developmental disabilities
By 2030, the South Korean government plans to double the number of adults with developmental disabilities who will have access to daytime activity programs, from 15,000 to 30,000 people. The state will also expand round-the-clock care for people with the highest support needs, The Korea Herald reports.
The authorities presented the new comprehensive plan on Thursday. It provides for a continuous support system for people with developmental disabilities, from early childhood through adulthood. The Ministry of Health and Welfare forecasts that the number of people with developmental disabilities will rise to 335,000 by 2030, compared with 288,000 last year. Over the past five years, the figure increased by an average of 3.1% annually.
More intensive and emergency care
Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong said total government spending on the relevant programs will increase by 15.9% next year, to 2.8 trillion won, or $2.1 billion. She said the authorities will continue working to secure the necessary funding, as substantially greater service capacity will be needed by 2030.
Adults account for 69.5% of all people with developmental disabilities in the country. After completing their education, care for them largely falls on their families. The plan is intended to reduce this burden and parents' concerns about who will care for their children in the future.
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The number of people receiving comprehensive care will increase next year from 2,340 to 2,760. The number of emergency care facilities is expected to rise from two to five. Individual round-the-clock care will also become available on weekends.
Employment and child support
For people with lower support needs, the government will strengthen employment and independent community living programs. Next year, the number of workers with disabilities eligible for vocational training support will rise from 400 to 720, while the number of workplace support specialists for people with severe disabilities will increase from 11,700 to 12,200.
Starting in March next year, the pilot program for independent living in communities will become permanent. It provides individually tailored assistance with housing, employment and daily activities. By 2030, the program is planned to be extended to municipalities, counties and districts across the country.
The government also intends to increase assistance for families caring for children with disabilities and expand the network of children's centers. The number of children eligible for developmental rehabilitation services will rise from 110,000 to 116,000, while the number of participants in after-school activity programs will increase from 11,500 to 13,000.
