Local NGO DRD (Disability Resource and Development) and Hoa Sen University have launched a smart phone application that provides disabled people with locations of disabled-friendly community venues.

The DMAP app, which can be installed in both IOS and Android phones, was developed by disabled students at the university using a map created for disabled people by DRD in 2011 –12. It shows more than 1,000 locations.

Talking about its efforts to create the map, the NGO, which seeks equal rights for people with disabilities, said they have an equal need to take part in community activities, not just with respect to jobs, education and healthcare but also entertainment.

But the lack of information prevents disabled people from going out and integrating into society.

It seeks to resolve that problem by providing a map that can help them find shopping malls, coffee shops, parks, and many other places.

DRD also hoped the app would help the community further understand disabled people's need to integrate socially.

According to Luu Thi Anh Loan of DRD, a 2009 survey found that 7.8 per cent of Viet Nam's population has disabilities. The number of people with disabilities who work, study or take part in social activities is quite low due to the difficulties posed by disabled-unfriendly infrastructure.

A recent survey in eight districts of HCM City by DRD found that of 1,800 public spots, only 78 were disabled-friendly. 

VNS