Disabled Employment Quota Hiked to 3%: South Korea
Government or semi–public organizations must raise their quotas for hiring disabled people to three percent of staff from two percent.
Prime Minister Han Seung–soo unveiled Tuesday a five–year plan to promote the welfare of the less privileged by giving them more access to educational, cultural, occupational and welfare opportunities.
Those who hire people with severe disabilities will get twice the credit and more subsidies. Products from such companies will be given priority in procurement and financial support will go to companies hiring more disabled people.
The four major broadcast networks– MBC, KBS, SBS and EBS– will be required to air subtitles for the hearing impaired in 90 percent of their programs by 2012.
A total of 1,059 sign language recorded or Braille books will be released by 2012. More gymnasiums or cultural facilities for both the physically and mentally challenged will be established.
The plan contains 58 goals on providing life assistance to the disabled. Long–term care programs, including home nursing and bathing along with other services, will be made available to the severely disabled. Pensions will guarantee them a minimum income.
For the mentally disabled people under 18 years old, therapy will be provided and their families will get free counseling.
Housing for disabled people will increase 7,000 units every year and lease apartments will also expand 13,000 units yearly from next year. Residential complexes will be established to provide full service to those suffering from disabilities.
Two million people were registered as disabled people in the country in 2006. This is about a five–fold jump in a decade,'' Prime Minister Han said at a Cabinet meeting he chaired.
The government has been upgrading welfare programs for these people, but their income is still about half of those without disabilities. The disabled say social discrimination against them is widespread.''
Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr
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