LocationsWritten by Nguyen Thu Thao, Communication Associate, UNDP in Viet Nam
Building a Disability-Inclusive Future: Everyone has a role to play
November 30, 2025
UNDP in Viet Nam
“Do your best, we’re here supporting you” “頑張って、応援しています” (Ganbatte, o ōen shiteimasu) - a Japanese saying that once motivated Dao Thu Huong, a youth leader with visual impairment, to overcome limits and achieve what seemed impossible. Today, as Disability Inclusion Officer at UNDP in Viet Nam, Huong is inspiring future generations to build a more inclusive society.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we spotlight the changemakers driving progress, from youth-led advocacy to businesses creating opportunities for all abilities, toward a future where no one is left behind.
Young Leaders Breaking Barriers: A Journey that Sparked a Dream
“If we want to stay forever young, we should keep doing the things we’ve dreamed of since we were young. That doesn’t mean repeating the same tasks over and over; it means always having a goal, nurturing the ambitions we had, and pursuing that purpose throughout our lives. For me, that purpose is advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.” said Dao Thu Huong
Huong never imagined that her first trip abroad in 2010 would change the course of her life. Invited to attend a training on gender equality and development, she stepped into a building in Bangkok that opened her eyes to a new world – one designed for everyone.
There were ramps for wheelchair users, elevators for mobility needs, Braille signage for persons with visual impairments, and clear indicators for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
It was there that Huong first learned about the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the concept of universal design - creating spaces that serve the widest range of users possible, including persons with disabilities.
That experience sparked a dream. Over the years, Huong met inspiring disability rights advocates across Asia-Pacific, and her determination grew stronger. She joined leadership programs, faced personal challenges, and proved that nothing is impossible. Today, Huong works with the United Nations to advance disability inclusion in Viet Nam, turning her vision into action: a society where persons with disabilities are not just included - they lead.
Huong’s story inspired 40 young participants at UNDP’s film screening of the documentary “Crip Camp” to share personal stories and explored how youth can help build a world where people of all abilities are heard, respected, and supported.
>> Watch more in the video below
Inclusive Businesses Empowering Young Talent
Inclusion is not only about policies - it’s about opportunities. Across Viet Nam, social impact businesses (SIBs) led by and with people with disabilities are creating workplaces where everyone can thrive, innovate, and lead.
“Our goal is to create a truly inclusive model where every individual’s uniqueness is celebrated. Here, what some may see as disabilities are transformed into strengths - special abilities that enrich our team and make the experience extraordinary.” said Vu Anh Tu, Co-founder and Chief of Operation, Journey of the Senses.
Journey of the Senses offers a unique “dining in the dark” experience where staff with visual impairment guide guests through a sensory journey, deaf employees observe and assist, and LGBTQ+ team members deliver heartfelt service. Here, young employees with disabilities are not just workers—they are ambassadors of empathy and creativity, taking initiative and shaping unforgettable experiences.
Another inspiring example is Kym Việt, where deaf artisans craft exquisite handmade products, blending tradition with innovation. These artisans are redefining craftsmanship and proving that talent knows no boundaries.
Supported by the ISEE-COVID Project, sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and co-implemented by UNDP and the Agency of Enterprises Development (AED) – former Ministry of Planning and Investment, these enterprises demonstrate that inclusive economic development benefits both people and society.
>> Watch more in the video below
A Shared Responsibility: Building Disability-Inclusive Societies Together
Viet Nam has an estimated 6.11% of the population aged two and older [1]. Despite progress in policy and social protection, many still face barriers to education, employment, and participation in public life.
According to Viet Nam's 2023 Disability Survey, only 68% of children with disabilities attend primary school, dropping to 31% at upper secondary level. Persons with disabilities also have lower labor force participation and higher unemployment than others, with many remaining outside formal employment systems, especially in rural areas [2].
From Huong’s journey to the inclusive models of social impact businesses, one message is clear: when youth and persons with disabilities are empowered, societies progress.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an occasion to continue fostering disability-inclusive societies and advancing social progress - together.
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[1] Result of the Survey on People with Disabilities 2023
https://www.nso.gov.vn/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2023_-Bao-cao-Dieu-tra-nguoi-khuyet-tat.-pdf-1.pdf
https://www.nso.gov.vn/en/default/2025/09/results-of-the-survey-on-people-with-disabilities-2023/
[2] Disability and Employment in Viet Nam – Results of the 2022 Labor Force Survey. World Bank Group.
A story by Nguyen Thu Thao, Communication Associate, UNDP in Vietnam - A heartfelt thank you to Nguyen Viet Lan (Communication Analyst at UNDP in Viet Nam) and Dao Thu Huong (Disability Inclusion Officer at UNDP in Viet Nam) for their invaluable contributions to this piece. Chị Lan’s thoughtful insights helped shape the narrative with clarity and depth, while chị Huong’s inspiring perspectives brought a fresh and meaningful dimension to the discussion.
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