Gyeonggi Province, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi Provincial Comprehensive Support Center for the Disabled (Nurim Center), is set to convene the ‘2025 Nurim Conference’ on June 16th at 2:00 PM KST. The significant event will take place in Room 405 of the Suwon Convention Center, focusing on a crucial and timely discussion regarding the integrated support of welfare and medical care for individuals with disabilities within the province.
Under the overarching theme, ‘The Future Direction of Welfare for People with Disabilities: Integrated Support Measures for Welfare and Medical Care for People with Disabilities in Gyeonggi Province,’ the conference aims to chart a course for a more holistic and effective support system. Recognizing the complex and often intertwined needs of individuals with disabilities, the initiative underscores the growing recognition that welfare and medical care should not operate in silos but rather be seamlessly integrated to provide comprehensive and person-centered support.
The conference will adopt a hybrid format, accommodating both in-person attendees at the Suwon Convention Center and a wider audience through live streaming on YouTube. This dual approach reflects the commitment of Gyeonggi Province and the Nurim Center to fostering broad participation and ensuring that the insights and outcomes of the conference reach a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, service providers, individuals with disabilities, their families, and the general public.
Lee Yong-bin, the esteemed CEO of the Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, will preside over the conference as the moderator. His extensive experience in the welfare sector will undoubtedly guide the discussions towards practical and impactful solutions. The inclusion of Park Jae-yong, a newly participating member of the Health and Welfare Committee of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, as a panelist adds a significant dimension to the discourse. His presence ensures that policy considerations are directly addressed and that potential legislative and administrative pathways for implementing integrated support measures are explored.
The academic rigor of the conference will be initiated by a keynote presentation from Professor Kang Hee-seol of the Social Welfare Research Institute at Sungkonghoe University. Professor Kang, a renowned expert in social welfare, will delve into the ‘Challenges in Integrated Care for People with Disabilities Tailored to the Gyeonggi Region.’ Her presentation is expected to provide a theoretical framework and highlight the specific needs and contexts of individuals with disabilities within Gyeonggi Province, setting the stage for the subsequent panel discussion.
Following the keynote address, a panel of five distinguished experts from the fields of medical care, welfare, and technology will engage in a comprehensive discussion. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with providing integrated support. The perspectives of medical professionals will be vital in understanding the healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities and how these can be effectively coordinated with welfare services. Welfare experts will contribute their knowledge of social support systems, community integration strategies, and person-centered care models. The inclusion of technology experts underscores the growing role of assistive technologies, digital health solutions, and innovative platforms in enhancing the lives and independence of individuals with disabilities.
The 2025 Nurim Conference gains added significance as it builds upon the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation and the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center on integrated care. This MOU signifies a commitment at the institutional level to foster greater collaboration and coordination between welfare and medical services. The conference is therefore envisioned as a practical extension of this agreement, providing a platform for stakeholders to translate the principles of the MOU into concrete strategies and actionable plans for establishing a region-specific integrated care system.
The development of a robust and effective integrated care system holds immense potential for improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Gyeonggi Province. By breaking down the traditional silos between welfare and medical care, such a system can lead to more streamlined access to services, better coordination of care plans, enhanced health outcomes, increased independence, and greater overall well-being. It can also address the complex needs of individuals with multiple or chronic conditions more effectively, ensuring that they receive the comprehensive support they require.
Gyeonggi Province, with a substantial population of individuals with disabilities, has been increasingly focused on enhancing its support systems. According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as of 2023, Gyeonggi Province has one of the largest registered populations of people with disabilities in South Korea. This demographic reality underscores the urgency and importance of developing innovative and integrated approaches to disability support. The Nurim Center, established to provide comprehensive support services for individuals with disabilities in the province, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. The center offers a range of services, including counseling, rehabilitation support, assistive technology services, and vocational training, and serves as a key partner in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities.
The upcoming conference is expected to delve into various critical aspects of integrated care, including:
Models of Integrated Care: Exploring different frameworks and best practices for integrating welfare and medical services, both domestically and internationally.
Service Coordination Mechanisms: Discussing effective strategies for seamless referral processes, information sharing, and collaborative care planning between welfare and medical professionals.
Community-Based Care: Emphasizing the importance of accessible and inclusive community services that support the integration and participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.
The Role of Technology: Examining how assistive technologies, telehealth, and digital platforms can enhance access to care, promote independence, and improve communication between service providers and individuals with disabilities.
Policy and Funding Implications: Analyzing the necessary policy adjustments and financial investments required to establish and sustain a comprehensive integrated care system.
Person-Centered Approaches: Underscoring the importance of tailoring services to the individual needs and preferences of people with disabilities, empowering them to have greater control over their care.
Participation in the 2025 Nurim Conference is open to all interested individuals. Registration details are available on the Nurim Center’s official website, providing a user-friendly platform for attendees to secure their place. For any inquiries or further information, the Planning and Public Relations Department of the Nurim Center can be contacted directly at 031-299-5010.
The 2025 Nurim Conference represents a significant step forward in Gyeonggi Province’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its residents with disabilities. By fostering a collaborative dialogue among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, the conference is poised to generate valuable insights and practical recommendations that will contribute to the development of a more integrated, person-centered, and effective system of support. The outcomes of this conference are eagerly anticipated and are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities in Gyeonggi Province and potentially serve as a model for other regions seeking to improve their disability support systems.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
