Daejeon, South Korea - Daejeon Metropolitan City commemorated the 45th Day of Persons with Disabilities on April 17th with a series of meaningful events held at the Daejeon City Hall Grand Auditorium and the South Gate Plaza. Organized by the Daejeon Federation of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, the celebration, themed "Looking at Happiness, Capturing Everyday Life, Connecting Hope," drew an enthusiastic participation of over 3,000 individuals, including persons with disabilities, volunteers, and community members.

The commemorative ceremony, held in the City Hall Grand Auditorium, commenced with a celebratory performance, followed by the opening declaration and recitation of the Charter of Rights for Persons with Disabilities. A significant segment of the ceremony was the presentation of commendations to exemplary individuals who have made notable contributions to the lives of persons with disabilities in Daejeon. The highlight of the awards was the prestigious Daejeon Disability Award, which recognizes individuals with disabilities who have achieved self-reliance through remarkable determination and effort, serving as beacons of hope and courage to others through their exemplary lives.

This year's esteemed recipients of the Daejeon Disability Award were Oh Young-ju and Han Yong-su from the Cultural Protection Workshop, and Ahn Hong-yeon from the Daejeon Spinal Cord Injury Association. Their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and contributing meaningfully to society resonated deeply with the attendees, underscoring the potential and resilience within the disability community.

Following the solemn yet celebratory award ceremony, the event transitioned into a vibrant "Disability Karaoke Festival," a platform designed to foster cultural exchange and harmony among persons with disabilities. Thirty teams, comprising talented individuals with disabilities, took to the stage to showcase their vocal talents and passionate performances, creating an atmosphere of joyous connection and shared celebration. The karaoke festival served as a powerful reminder of the diverse talents and artistic expressions within the disability community, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.

Simultaneously, the South Gate Plaza transformed into a lively hub of inclusive activities with the "Harmony Gathering." This outdoor event featured traditional Korean games such as Yut Nori (a board game) and ring toss, encouraging interaction and camaraderie between persons with and without disabilities. Over 40 diverse booths were set up, offering a range of experiences and opportunities. These included interactive booths designed to promote understanding and awareness of disability issues, as well as exhibition and promotional booths showcasing products manufactured by sheltered workshops and sales facilities for persons with severe disabilities. The bustling plaza served as a testament to the commitment of Daejeon City and its community to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and enjoy together.

Lee Jang-woo, the Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, extended his heartfelt congratulations on the 45th Day of Persons with Disabilities, expressing his hope that the commemorative events would serve as an opportunity to broaden understanding of disabilities and to support the challenges and growth of individuals with disabilities.

He further emphasized the city's ongoing commitment to establishing a comprehensive social safety net, stating, "Daejeon City is continuously supporting customized welfare services to improve disability awareness and guarantee rights. We will further strengthen integrated support in areas such as rehabilitation, treatment, care, education, and employment, and strive to expand opportunities for social participation for persons with disabilities."

Mayor Lee also highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by Daejeon City to create a city where both persons with and without disabilities can live happily together. These initiatives include the operation of a public children's rehabilitation hospital, support for the social reintegration of individuals with acquired disabilities, integrated care for persons with the most severe developmental disabilities, enhanced activity support for persons with disabilities, expansion of the personal budget system for persons with disabilities, and the continuous expansion of accessible facilities throughout the city.

The 45th Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration in Daejeon City served as a powerful testament to the city's dedication to inclusivity, empowerment, and the well-being of its citizens with disabilities. The diverse range of events, from the formal award ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements to the vibrant karaoke festival and the inclusive activities at the South Gate Plaza, underscored the importance of celebrating the contributions, talents, and resilience of persons with disabilities. The presence and active participation of city officials, community leaders, volunteers, and the general public further highlighted the collective commitment to building a more accessible and equitable society for all in Daejeon. The initiatives announced by Mayor Lee reflect a proactive and multifaceted approach to addressing the needs of the disability community, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future in Daejeon.