japanese

Korea

National NGO Report (1)

October, 2002

Mr. IL-Mook Cho(President, Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with disabilities)

Dr. Hyung Shik Kim(RI National Secretary for Korea)

I. Evaluation of Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons

1. National coordination

   1.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   In 1996, the Welfare Policy Committee for Disabled Persons was established with the Prime Minister as the head of the committee. Granting the coordination of welfare policies for persons with disabilities to the committee, the committee has carried out a function of the national coordination committee since then. In 1997, the committee validated the First Five-Year Plan for Welfare Development for Disabled Persons(1998-2002) for coordinating welfare, employment, and education, and has promoted welfare for persons with disabilities. In 2000, the committee has changed its title to the Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons concurrently with the total amendment of Welfare of Disabled Persons Act, and had an opportunity to activate its function. However, the committee has not become as yet a representative body of persons with disabilities in decision makings of all level of local governments and disability-related ministries and agencies of central government. Also, the committee has not become a substantial representative body for allocating resources appropriately to them. Especially, the committee has limitation of its role as a comprehensive and coordinating body in that it has weak function to allocate appropriate budget, personnel, etc. for promoting welfare and rights of persons with disabilities.

   1.2 Slightly implemented(1)

   The Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons is composed of the Prime Minister as the head of the committee, relevant Ministers as proper members, and representative persons from various disability-related organizations like the Former Welfare Policy Committee for Disabled Persons. However, it has not its executive board. Because the establishment of its executive board as its permanent one is subjects of discussion with relevant ministries in charge of administration and budget, the committee has not been supported financially and administratively.

   1.3 Few measure has been taken(0)

   At the sub-national level, we have not established bodies in charge of the coordination and administration of grass-roots organizations and agencies. The establishment of the working group sub-committee participating from various organizations and agencies concurrently with the establishment of the executive board should be examined and, consequently, the committee should seek its efficient coordination and execution.

   1.4 Fairly implemented(2)

   As the national plan of action, welfare policies for persons with disabilities have developed through such primary national policies as "the Long-term Development Direction of Social Welfare toward 21st Century" and "Five-Year Plan for Social Security Development". However, it has limitation to execute national policies within the scope of governmental budget. Also, the Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons has the function of a national coordination committee, but doesn't have a standing specific structure to review and evaluate the execution of national policies during the national plan of action. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, etc. have evaluated their own outcomes respectively, and Assistant Minister for the Social and Cultural Policy Coordination from the Office for Government Policy Coordination reviews and evaluates the policy achievements of each ministry comprehensively.

   1.5 Fairly implemented(2)

   Recently, Korea has suffered economic crisis to the extent of receiving a relief fund from IMF, finally, overcome it, and takes a gradual turn into growth. Poverty alleviation programs have been carried out by the poverty measures of the government and various project of NGOs, and mainly, the government-initiated programs are executed through employment and income increase policies with continuous economic growth. Especially, the National Basic Livelihood Security Act as the poverty measure of the government was introduced, and it converts from the livelihood security system at the simple security level, to welfare policies to strengthen the responsibility of the government over low-income class. That is, it secures the basic living of absolute low-income class who need the protection of the government and focuses on realizing productive welfare by providing comprehensive independent self-reliant services.

   1.6 Slightly implemented(1)

   There are supportive policies for low-class persons with disabilities. For promoting the employment of people with disabilities, the employment subsidies for disabled persons, etc. are executed, however, the participation of persons with disabilities is not necessarily specified as a criterion for the approval of funding for poverty of funding for poverty alleviation and other development programs and projects.

   1.7 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to meet gradual welfare needs of persons with disabilities and execute national policies effectively, the post in charge of welfare for them in the Ministry of Health and Welfare was expanded from division level to bureau level in 1997. Also, two provincial governments at the large-unit local level have their own post in charge of welfare for persons with disabilities. In addition, government offices expand social welfare officers and strengthen social welfare systems including welfare for persons with disabilities according to a yearly program.

   1.8 Fully implemented(3)

   Paralympics following '88 Seoul Olympics was held successfully in 1988, and national plans to develop the potentials of persons with disabilities and improve their abilities have been promoted, for example, FESPIC Games in Busan in 2002, the last year of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons(1993-2002). The National Sports Contest for People with Disabilities and various events of sports for them in Korea have been held since 1981. Abilympics helps competent technical engineers to raise their morale and employers to increase their will to hire persons with disabilities. As declaring the month of Disabled Persons(April) and the Month of Employment Promotion for Disabled Persons(September), various events have been held at that time. In order to improve cultural and recreational activities, The development and provision of such programs and services as sports events in community living, broadcasting with captions on TV, cultural and art programs for persons with disabilities, etc. have been expanded actively.

   1.9 Slightly implemented(1)

   At the national level, cooperative systems with organizations of/for persons with disabilities have usually been building through communication channels between the government and NGOs and various committees including the Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons in consultation with NGOs. Still, at the international level, we have not developed effective communicationchannels.

   1.10 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to provide appropriate information with persons with disabilities, Braille services for persons with visual disabilities and sign language and captioning services for persons with hearing disabilities are provided. Also, various policies for persons with disabilities, such as welfare, employment, education, are provided through Internet websites. Various information on laws, such as Welfare of Disabled Persons Act, the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation Act of Disabled Persons, etc. are compiled and distributed through the Internet, bulletin boards and handouts of NGOs, etc.

   1.11 Fairly implemented(2)

   Information on services for persons with disabilities and disability-related organizations are provided through the Internet, and have been updated regularly by each website administrator. Recently, Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities has conducted information infrastructure building projects through distributing information-related equipments, such as computers, printers, and Internet lines to disability-related organizations, concurrently with providing computer education for their personnel. Also, the government provides information on relevant welfare policies and systems for persons with disabilities and updates it periodically. And we ensure responsible use of all personal data to protect the privacy rights of persons with disabilities, however, have not developed as yet comprehensive systems to provide rehabilitation information for their rehabilitation and independent living.

2. Legislation

   2.1 Slighted implemented(1)

   The Constitutional Court of Korea examines and identifies all substantive and procedural laws, such as those covering inheritance, marriage, and properties, as well as criminal and civil procedure codes and policy provisions on various subjects. However, persons with disabilities and their families have difficulties in filing constitutional appeals directly and its final decisions are not made promptly.

   2.2 Fairly implemented(2)

   The Constitution prescribes "equal opportunities of all persons in all the sectors" (Preamble), the principle of equality under the law(Article 11), and equal opportunities in education(Clause 1, Article 31), etc. However, it has some limitations because of the difficulty of budget arrangement for their actual enforcement.

   2.3 Slightly implemented(1)

   In 1997, the Accommodation Improvement Law for the Disabled, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women was established, and it was amended in 2000 for the purpose of eliminating discriminatory practices as well as architectural and communication barriers and taking positive actions for persons with disabilities. However, it has not guaranteed the permanent body to effectively execute the rights protection for persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities and persons with intellectual disabilities, when establishing its basic law.

   2.4 Fairly implemented(2)

   Disability allowance, medical and educational expenses, etc. are provided besides financial assistance and subsidies from the Welfare Law for Disabled Persons, established for stabilizing the living of poor and low-income persons with disabilities, and the National Basic Livelihood Security Act, established for their livelihood security. In future, those provision subject and amount will be gradually expanded. Also, caring allowance for children with disabilities and persons with severely disabilities are provided for low-income families and those amount is small.

   2.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   Custom duties on the import of vehicles, assistive devices, health and medical supplies are partially exempted, including all equipment and materials needed to improve the quality of life and, in particular, to facilitate the education, employment as well as sports, leisure and cultural pursuit, and daily living of persons with disabilities.

   2.6 Slightly implemented(1)

   For alleviating the economical burden of persons with disabilities, the enlargement of value-added tax exemption and medical insurance(medicaid) items in assistive devices is gradually expanded. However, the permanent body is not established as yet for periodical review of the list of items.

   2.7 Fairly implemented(2)

   Through the enactment of the Accommodation Improvement Law for the Disabled, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women and its amendment, it requires to promote health and safety in the workplace, in public places, in transport and in the home, as well as to set some safety standards for modes of conveyance, equipment, implements and other items of industrial, domestic and personal use with particular attention to the needs of users with disabilities.

   2.8 Slightly implemented(1)

   Special mechanism for periodical review of the list of items is not established for exemption from customs duty, however, relevant ministries for customs duty review on their own.

   2.9 Slightly implemented(1)

   There are some agencies to provide free legal aid services for all the people, however, few agencies to provide those services only for people with disabilities.

   2.10 Few measure has been taken(0)

   Implementation and enforcement mechanisms for basic laws for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities are not established. Also, comprehensive systems are not made to notify rules and regulations for their effective implementation and enforcement.

   2.11 Fully implemented(3)

   Through laws relating to copyright and the total amendment of the Special Education Law (1994), the enactment of the Accommodation Improvement Law for the Disabled, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women(1997), the total amendment of the Welfare Law for Disabled Persons(1999), and the amendment of the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation Act of Disabled Persons(2000), they are provided for the protection of rights for persons with disabilities to have access to educational, informational, and recreational materials and for the transcription, transference, translation, and reproduction of all such materials.

3. Information

   3.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   The Korean government researched the actual condition of disabled persons in 1990, 1995, 2000 every five years, grasped basic needs, such as population number according to disability type, gender, age, economical situation, income and education level, and, consequently, secured policy materials. Disability related information is available within various ministries and organizations for persons with disabilities, but indexing of such information is needed, and database on regular research for the actual conditions of persons with disabilities should be constructed.

   3.2 Fairly implemented(2)

   The legal definitions of persons with disabilities are prepared, but common functional definitions of disabilities that facilitate region-wide comparisons are not developed as yet. National surveys on the actual conditions of persons with disabilities are conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Welfare every five years.

   3.3 Fairly implemented(2)

   The Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons and revised targets for implementation have been translated into Korean and distributed to disability-related agencies and organizations, but their publicization and disseminations to the public are not sufficient.

4. Public awareness

   4.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to publicize the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, Korea hosted Campaign '97 and ESCAP Mid-Point Review Meeting. TV and radio programs for persons with disabilities contribute to improving public awareness and attitudes concerning them. Reports related to persons with disabilities from mass media are being monitored by organizations like the Council for "Disabled-Person-First" Campaign.

   4.2 Slightly implemented(1)

   Programs and projects for children and youth by all education and training institutions, government agencies and NGOs are encouraged to include disabled children and youth by law, but facilities and specific accommodations for them are not provided yet.

   4.3 Few measure has been taken(0)

   Disability experience and public awareness programs are conducted by NGOs, Contents dealing with the integration of disabled persons are not included in formal textbooks as yet.

   4.4 Fully implemented(3)

   In 1997, the Ministry of Information and Communication published a commemorative postcard in order to publicize the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons and to commemorate '97 Seoul International Conference on Disability.

   4.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   Programs for persons with disabilities are broadcasted in TV and radio, but their portion is comparatively small. Depiction of negative as well as inaccurate images of persons with disabilities in performances, especially comedies, films, and cartoons are requested to correct by NGOs.

   4.6 Fairly implemented(2)

   the Council for "Disabled-Person-First" Campaign provides a press clipping service to collect documentation on media efforts concerning the raising of public awareness and the improvement of attitudes towards persons with disabilities.

   4.7 Fairly implemented(2)

   Performing arts appearing persons with disabilities as a central figure are constantly planned and presented, although they are not many. Sports activities by persons with disabilities are encouraged through various domestic and international sports contest like The National Sports Contest for Persons with Disabilities and Busan FESPIC Games.

   4.8 Few measure has been taken(0)

   Programs dealing with disability issue are not included in the regular curricula for pre- and in-service training of public administration and technical personnel in all sectors. In future, such educational materials and programs should be developed.

5. Accessibility and communication

   5.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   Through the enactment of the Accommodation Improvement Act for the Disabled, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women in 1997, the law requires facilities and equipment to be available for persons with disabilities in all new construction, renovation and expansion of buildings and facilities, but the scope of targeted facilities is narrow, and standards for facilities for persons with disabilities are not strictly applied.

   5.2 Fairly implemented(2)

   The law requires to eliminate the curb of pavement and to install curb ramps in order to make public facilities accessible. Also, it requires to stick to guidance signs of facilities for persons with disabilities in public places. Still, the establishment of guidance blocs or signal devices for persons with visual disabilities is not sufficient.

   5.3 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to improve transportation services, newly arranged route buses are recommended to do guidance broadcasting for persons with visual disabilities and to install guidance signs for persons with hearing disabilities. Also, subways and railroad facilities are required to equip facilities for persons with disabilities, and resting places of highways and national roads are required to install facilities for them.

   5.4 Slightly implemented(1)

   Courses related to accessibility in the curricular for the training of architects, engineers, as well as urban and rural planners are not separately arranged. However, such discussion become active in universities and institutes.

   5.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   According to the enactment of the Accommodation Improvement Act for the Disabled, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women, the law requires to establish and modify facilities for persons with disabilities, but establishment standards, such as types, sizes, materials, etc. of facilities for persons with disabilities are not concrete, and specific managing ways to implement such regulations are obscure.

   5.6 Slightly implemented(1)

   Access-related networking in the Asia and Pacific region is active among relevant experts in ESCAP Meetings and RI Conferences, but relevant ministries and experts in Korea have not actively participated.

   5.7 Slightly implemented(1)

   Studies on layout of work places, designs of tools, equipment, machinery, instrument to make them more useable by persons with disabilities have been partially conducted.

   5.8 Fairly implemented(2)

   The certification management and training of sign language interpreters are executed by Korea Association of the Deaf, and standardizing sign language is in progress.

   5.9 Slightly implemented(1)

   Sign language services are provided through nation-wide sign language centers. However, the demand and supply of sign language interpreters in public services and places are not balanced.

   5.10 Slightly implemented(1)

   Reading materials in Braille, large print, computer disk, audio cassette and other suitable formats for people who have difficulty in reading regular print, and who need access to human readers and sign interpreters are partially available.

   5.11 Slightly implemented(1)

   Captioning and audio descriptions services are provided through a broadcast on a national network, but they are not universal as yet. The provision of relay services and the construction of service network are needed in order to communicate between persons with hearing and speech disabilities and non-disabled persons.

6. Education

   6.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   The percentage of children with disabilities receiving special education gets a 4% increase in 2002, compared to that in 1992. The future task is to integrate educationally and socially students with disabilities receiving education currently in special classes and at special schools into regular education classes successfully.

   6.2 Fairly implemented(2)

   In the financial aspect, the special education fund per student with disability gets a 207% increase in 2002, compared to that in 1992. In the policy aspect, "The Long-term Development Plan for Special Education"was established in 1996 and have been implemented since then. The future tasks are to increase the number of special classes; to decrease the number of special schools; increase financial resources for inclusive education; and to operate model inclusive schools in each region.

   6.3 Fairly implemented(2)

   The rules and regulations for accommodations and facilities for people with disabilities were established and the specially designed desks and chairs for students with physical disabilities, hearing aids for students with hearing disabilities and canes for students with visual disabilities have been provided since 1992. The future task is to improve accommodations and facilities of regular schools for effectively integrating students with disabilities.

   6.4 Fairly implemented(2)

   According to the Special Education Promotion Act amended in 1994, free special education has been provided for 3- to 5-year old children with disabilities and inclusive kindergartens have been operated to provide inclusive education. The future task is to expand inclusive education in regular kindergartens, especially for infants and children in rural areas.

   6.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   The percentage of special classes in regular schools gets a 17% increase since 1992 and inclusive education have been improved gradually. The future task is to integrate students with disabilities receiving education at special schools into special classes and resource rooms to achieve successful integration in regular education classes gradually.

   6.6 Slightly implemented(1)

   The number of pre-service special education programs has been increased and courses related to special education have been included gradually in the curriculums for pre-service programs and in-service programs for general education teachers. The future task is to have general education teachers to-be in pre-service programs take classes related special education as requirements for graduation.

   6.7 Fully implemented(3)

   According to 6th(1993-1999) and 7th(2000 - ) revised national curriculums, education on science, mathematics, adaptation-skill training, pre-vocational and vocational training have been provided for students with disabilities. The future task is to provide individualized special education with high quality for each student with disability and to provide effective pre-vocational and vocational education which can be applied to real life situations of students with disabilities.

   6.8 Fully implemented(3)

   According to 6th(1993-1999) and 7th(2000 - ) revised curriculums, effective instructional materials have been provided for students with disabilities, including students with mental retardation. The future task is to develop and provide individualized instructional materials for each child with disability.

   6.9 Fairly implemented(2)

   The 6th(1993-1999) revised curriculum emphasized autonomous learning and the 7th(2000 - ) revised curriculum emphasized self-directed learning. The future task is to create an environment and to develop effective instructional strategies for autonomous learning and self-directed learning.

   6.10 Slightly implemented(1)

   More and more para-professionals including assistant teachers have participated in educating students with disabilities gradually. The future task is to have assistant teachers provide inclusive education to students with disabilities effectively and productively.

   6.11 Slightly implemented(1)

   The participation rate of family members in educating students with disabilities has been increased, but is still low. The future task is to have family members and community members participate in inclusive education effectively for students with disabilities.

   6.12 Fairly implemented(2)

   In-service training programs in inclusive education have been provided for school administrators and teachers. The future task is to expand those in-service training programs effectively for their understanding of and collaboration for inclusive education.

   6.13 Fully implemented(3)

   The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development takes the first responsibility for educating students with disabilities.

   6.14 Fairly implemented(2)

   Even after 1994 the compulsory education for students with disabilities has been limited at elementary and middle school levels and free special education has been provided for 3- to 5-year old children and students at high school and people with disabilities in vocational training programs. The future task is to provide free special education for birth to 5-year old children and to improve transition services and vocational education.

   6.15 Slightly implemented(1)

   Even though there is no rules and regulations to guarantee legal rights of students with disabilities to transcribe, translate, reproduce, and use copyrighted materials, people with disabilities have been allowed to use those materials in many instances informally. The future task is to guarantee legal rights of students with disabilities to use copyrighted materials in the field of education, information, recreation, and so on.

7. Training and employment

   7.1 Fairly implemented(2)

   The number of participants on vocational training assistant programs for persons with disabilities in public vocational training centers has increased since it was initiated by the Ministry of Labor in 1996. These integrated vocational training programs showed positive results with a lower drop-out percentage compared to other designated institutions, such as special schools, registered vocational training centers, and rehabilitation community centers.

   7.2 Slightly implemented(1)

   Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled has been conducting vocational development programs for training persons with disabilities as technical engineers and supporting training centers with training expenses and teachers allowances. In order to facilitate the vocational adjustment of people with disabilities, KEPAD has also been providing services for employers who hired them(facility loan, employment incentives, etc.) and services for persons with disabilities themselves(car purchase loan, starting expenses of self-employment, etc.) through employment environment improvement programs.

   7.3 Slightly implemented(1)

   According to the actual conditions of employment for persons with disabilities in December 2000, the employment rate is increasing by yearly. As for public companies, 65 of them have increased the number of employees with disabilities greatly. It shows that public awareness towards employment for persons with disabilities is improving in the whole society. Also, when employing government officials, government agencies are obliged to employ at least five percent of persons with disabilities. Accordingly, it appears to help increase the employment rate, but the national goal related to promotion for them is obscure.

   7.4 Few measure has been taken(0)

   A cooperative body including representatives from public and private sectors, organizations of/for persons with disabilities, and other NGOs is not established yet. Korea Differently Abled Federation was established in 1999 as a cooperative body including representatives of organizations of/for persons with disabilities, but its efforts for information gathering and providing of training and employment for people with disabilities are not sufficient, and its revolutionary efforts of skill training are not yet made systematically.

   7.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   Each ministry and NGOs has made such efforts as the introduction of ordering appointment system of products made by persons with disabilities, the provision of employment allocation subsidies, the organization of self-help organizations and Korean Differently Abled Women United, etc., in order to provide training and employment for persons with disabilities taken consideration into the gender equity. Since Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled was established in 1991, workers with disabilities has continuously increased until 1998. However, according to the report on the employment trends of persons with disabilities, it greatly shows the gender inequity in employment allocation(Male 3,661/Female 1,332) and employment(Male 2,161/Female 897).

   7.6 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to activate sheltered workshops, the government has included the ordering appointment system and expanded purchases of products made by persons with disabilities. Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled has provided a loan for starting expenses in order to increase self-employment for persons with disabilities. Also, for the employment of persons with disabilities, it has furnished companies a loan for work facilities, accommodations, purchase of commuting vehicles, managing expenses for employment. Supported employment has conducted in two ways, community rehabilitation centers under the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local offices under Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled. However, and has obtained good results. However, the establishment loan system of welfare factories for persons with disabilities to provide owners expenses necessary for the establishment and management of welfare factories was abolished, not showing the efficiency of the system in 2000.

   7.7 Slightly implemented(1)

   Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled has provided the loan of self-reliance funds and starting business expenses for persons with disabilities. Through the employment promotion measures of low-income persons with disabilities in 1998, various projects have been carried out by permitting them the priority of stands and vending machines in public facilities, distributing the guide book of products made by them, strengthening vocational rehabilitation facilities, etc. The Ministry of Labor has prepared plans for supporting vocational rehabilitation for them, providing employment services, implementing the employment quota by the central government and local governments, etc. and it has conducted various projects for training technical engineers with disabilities and employing unemployed persons with disabilities.

   7.8 Fairly implemented(2)

   Seven joint markets of products made by persons with disabilities under the Ministry of Health and Welfare have established until 2001 throughout the country. According to the Five-Year Pan for Welfare Development for Disabled Persons(1998-2002), fifteen joint markets should be established altogether until the year 2002. In March 1993, as the regulations on the loan of employment promotion funds for disabled persons were revised, free support system was executed. It is on the increase as 2,300 million won has provided to 135 in total until 1999, and is expected to obtain substantial outcomes. Korea Association of the Welfare Center for the Disabled and Korea Association of the Welfare Institutes for the Disabled should attempt to develop various management techniques through the support of governmental budget.

   7.9 Slightly implemented(1)

   Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled has established local offices, vocational evaluation centers, vocational training institutes for the disabled and supported the vocational allocation and self-employment of persons with disabilities. However, the employment of them is not sufficient, as there is imbalance between services in rural and urban areas. Through NGOs, the employment of persons with disabilities is promoted voluntarily, and the specific support to relevant NGOs and the encouragement for persons with disabilities should be made.

   7.10 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to promote the training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled furnishes funds to employers free of charge, when they purchase and install worktables, equipments, assistive devices, etc. Also, it provides a loan of vocational stabilization funds to employers when persons with disabilities have worked for over two years at the same workplace. The support system for free vocational facilities, etc. is considerably effective. However, it needs to be improved first that vocational training and higher education for individuals with disabilities are not sufficient. Especially, the supportive programs of vocational training in the Ministry of Labor should promote integrated training through providing incentives to persons with disabilities. The those supportive systems for employers implies the elements of market intervention and should be implemented clearly and objectively so as not to make a bad use of them. The funds necessary for improving training and employment opportunities should be utilized, for its effectiveness, in the way to reflect the needs of persons with disabilities.

   7.11 Few measure has been taken(0)

   In laws, policies, and collective agreement relating to employment, specific legislation and measures are not prepared except for injured persons with disabilities on worksites. Specific efforts to protect the rights of workers with disabilities should be made through the enactment of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act for Persons with Severely disabilities or existent relevant laws.

   7.12 Few measure has been taken(0)

   The Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons has proposed the establishment and management of the rehabilitation research institute for persons with disabilities, but specific plans for that has not been made yet. Considering the development progress of the social welfare and special education of adjacent fields, the establishment of an independent rehabilitation institute is urgent.

   7.13 Slightly implemented(1)

   In order to monitor and evaluate the effective enforcement of laws and policies on training and employment and the achievements of relevant Decade targets, NGOs, such as Korea Research Meeting for Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons and RI Korea organized by Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, and the Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons partly take charge of those functions, but they have not effectively monitored and evaluated as yet. Also, although Korea Differently Abled Federation is composed of representatives of disability-related service providers, representatives of NGOs has not actively taken part in. In a situation where the government's support for self-help organizations is very limited, the effective monitoring and evaluation is difficult.

   7.14 Slightly implemented(1)

   The collection and distribution of information on employment are partially performed by a portal site operated by Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. Besides, information centers attached to community rehabilitation centers partly carry out those functions according to the National Plan of Improving the IT Industry. Also, the Ministry of Labor has a plan to build comprehensive computer network and large-unit employment information network and to establish vocational evaluation centers in future.

8. Prevention of causes of disability

   8.1 Slightly implemented(1)

   Maternal and child health programs are carried out through inherent metabolic abnormality, maternal and child health education, etc. as prevention measures of disability according to causes.

   Contents of prevention of disability causes

   1. Medical examination of pregnant women and infants. As for diagnosis period of pregnant women, the first diagnosis is made right after the registration and then the second diagnosis is made, if a close examination is needed.

   2. A maternal and child health pocketbook is actively distributed.

   3. Inherent metabolic abnormality examination .Prevention programs for persons with intellectual disabilities were financed 3,800,000,000 Won in the year 2000. - They provide special management services with Infants who are diagnosed as phenolkaptonuria hypothyroidism in the families are unable to make a living.

   4. Because chronic diseases, drug use, drinking, smoking, etc. by pregnant women affect the growth and weight of infants, enlightenment campaigns through pamphlets and mass media are steadily conducted.

   8.2 Fairly implemented(2)

   As for leprosy, community health centers, clinics, and mobile medical teams for leprosy are doing activities for examination, registration, treatments. Since 1998, the headquarters of Korea Association for Leprosy Management have taken charge of leprosy registration as the central registration office. Leprosy occurrence rate have been decreasing yearly, from 27,628 in 1981 to 23,326 in 1991. Also, poliomyelitis occurrence is almost controlled because of active publicity and poliomyelitis vaccine distribution. Vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency, etc. are scarcely occurred.

   8.3 Slightly implemented(1)

   According to a recent survey by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, respondents by experts showed positive perspective that about 50 percent of the total respondents replied the inherent disabilities are preventable til 10 to 30% if maternal and child health programs which are executed in Korea at present are conducted effectively.

   Inherent Disability Preventable Degrees (unit : person, %)

   Category	Frequency	Percentage	Remark
   0%(quite unpreventable)	0	0	-
   below 10%	6	18.2	-
   10 - 20%	8	24.2	-
   20 - 30%	8	24.2	-
   30 - 40%	2	6.1	-
   over 40%	3	9.1	-
   no response	6	18.2	-
   Total	33	100	-

   8.4 Fairly implemented(2)

   Generally, as weapons including anti-personnel land mines are protected by military authorities, accidents caused by anti-personnel land mines scarcely occur. Korea Campaign to Ban Landmines was established in November 6, 1997, and it now plays active part in international campaigns in cooperation with International Campaign to Ban Landmines, International Federation of Red Cross, UNICEF, etc.

   8.5 Slightly implemented(1)

   The Geneva Convention prohibits only laser weapons designed for damaging eyesight obviously and causing total blindness, and recent developed laser weapons are so fatal that they can cause all the people nearby to lose their sight through reflected energy in all directions, when laser hits the target. In Korea, we take lots of interest in this campaign.

   8.6 Slightly implemented(1)

   Although the Industrial Safety and Health Act was revised in 1996, the effectiveness of its enforcement are not sufficient. Also, because safety and health regulations are sometimes overlapped, they can cause confusion when applying to standards. Consequently, international industrial safety and health standards should be unified and systematized to follow the trend of standardizing international industrial safety and health.

   8.7 Slightly implemented(1)

   The examination of inherent metabolic abnormality and the follow-up management of new-born babies with low weight are very important. The introduction of registration system for new-born babies with low weight and the construction of computerization system of personal health records for strengthening linkage between maternal and child health programs and school health programs are required and the appointment of managing mechanism is requested.

   8.8 Slightly implemented(1)

   1. The Bureau of Disabled Persons' Welfare in the Ministry of Health and Welfare has distributed videotapes and leaflets on "disabilities occurring from pregnancy to bringing up an infant" in cooperation with the Community Chest of Korea and Seoul Community Rehabilitation Center to community rehabilitation centers, social welfare agencies, community health centers, companies hiring over 300 persons, schools, mass media, hospitals, etc. and promoted early service intervention for disability children.

   2. As for already occurred disabilities, there are various diagnosing programs by NGOs so as not to become severe.

   8.9 Slightly implemented(1)

   Personnel in charge of maternal and child health are not sufficient, and the insufficiency of education materials and opportunities for relevant personnel are matters of primary concern for prevention programs.

   8.10 Slightly implemented(1)

   Mental illness is recently included in the disability category under the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act, and community mental health centers in community health centers are established to provide prevention, early detection, and intervention services for persons with mental illness.

   8.11 Slightly implemented(1)

   The Bureau of Disabled Persons' Welfare in the Ministry of Health and Welfare are composed of two divisions, Disabled Person's Policy Division and Rehabilitation Support Division and the two divisions conduct policies budget compilation for disability prevention in cooperation with NGOs. Because elderly people with disabilities are rapidly increasing in number, various programs need to be developed, such as the introduction of allowances for them, the more establishment of community welfare center for them, and the development of various policies for improving their quality of life.

9. Rehabilitation(community-based rehabilitation, and health and social development)

   9.1 Fully implemented(3)

   Welfare(rehabilitation) service agencies for disabled persons are required to include representatives of disabled persons and their families in program planning and evaluation process as steering committee members twice a year; therefore, their opinions are reflected institutionally in decision-making process.

   9.2 Fully implemented(3)

   Comprehensive strategies of CBR were primarily adopted as two development strategies; First, exemplary programs by the government-initiated model have been expanded nationwide through the health and welfare network as the service delivery system of the government; Second, community rehabilitation centers around the country have provided welfare services for persons with disabilities in their community in cooperation with local leaders and private professional groups as the private-initiated model.

   9.3 Fairly implemented(2)

   General welfare programs for women with disabilities have been institutionalized to reflect their plans for implementation and enforcement as obligatory services which are evaluated quarterly and yearly through residential facilities, vocational rehabilitation facilities, group homes, etc. as well as community rehabilitation centers around the country.

   9.4 Fully implemented(3)

   As part of strengthening coordinative efforts between the government and NGOs for the purpose of supporting CBR programs, the research group, which is composed of researchers in the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, professors, and senior practitioners, has made yearly and phased plans and engaged in researches to include these plans concretely in program plans of private agencies as well as long-term plans of the government.

   9.5 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to professionally train personnel in health education related to welfare for persons with disabilities, especially, social development, the National Rehabilitation Center has opened and administers training courses for current personnel in private and public agencies for people with disabilities by position and field. Their lecturers are composed of professors and senior practitioners who are professionals in each area.

   9.6 Fairly implemented(2)

   In order to assist CBR programs, the National Rehabilitation Center has conducted exemplary programs on the basis of the plan to include rehabilitation services in primary medical institutions at 16 health and welfare offices around the country through the support of the government according to local characteristics, class, living standard, etc. This plan will be expanded and systematized according to the type of program throughout the country in the near future.

   9.7 Fairly implemented(2)

   Exchanging professional personnel between governments and NGOs, and sharing good practices with other countries have been conducted primarily through world congresses and regional conferences of Rehabilitation International, where research cases have been presented by the ten sub-committees and participated in by more than one expert in each sub-committee every year in Korea.

   9.8 Fairly implemented(2)

   Practical researches and innovative approaches on disability and rehabilitation should be relatively activated. So far, financial resources for the research of each area have accounted for much of the research funds, primarily through proposals by private foundations, administrative and financial supports of the government, such as research and development funds, etc. should be strengthened in the near future.

   9.9 Fairly implemented(2)

   Social security measures for poor persons with disabilities are supported institutionally by ?public aid, ?social insurance, etc., but for the higher level of benefits and the variety of services, financial resources by the government should be strengthened and various social services related to quality of life should be activated through expanding funds by fundraising privately in the near future.

10. Assistive devices

    10.1 Slightly implemented(1)

    Sustainable systems and procedures, including subsidy schemes, to ensure the production and distribution of assistive devices, as well as repair and maintenance services are not set up as yet.

    10.2 Slightly implemented(1)

    Cooperation systems with department responsible for customs duty are not sufficient for the import of assistive devices, as well as components, materials and equipment for their production, repair and maintenance.

    10.3 Slightly implemented(1)

    Actions to simplify customs clearance procedures to facilitate the import and export of assistive devices, as well as components, materials and equipment for their production, repair, and maintenance should be more taken.

    10.4 Fairly implemented(2)

    The Institute for Rehabilitation Technology was established, and research and development programs for research, innovation and improvements concerning indigenous assistive devices are conducted in some universities and agencies.

    10.5 Few measure has been taken(0)

    The development of appropriate, sustainable local technology for providing quality standard assistive devices for people with disabilities should be made.

    10.6 Slightly implemented(1)

    Researches and schemes to activate indigenous production, distribution and maintenance of assistive devices are not sufficient as yet.

    10.7 Slightly implemented(1)

    The training of personnel on indigenous technology for assistive devices to improve services at sub-national levels are not sufficient as yet.

11. Self-help organizations

    11.1 Fairly implemented(2)

    Organizations of/for persons with disabilities according to the disability type have not completely formed yet, but those organizations according to the type and area such as six organizations for women and girls with disabilities, the Korean Association for the Mentally Retarded(twenty-seven branches), Group of HIV/AIDS positive people, etc. have been generally forming. Also, Korea Differently Abled Federation has been organized as a national self-help organization for persons with disabilities.

    Establishment of organization of/for persons with disabilities(Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2000)

    Year	Before1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
    number	14	2	3	2	2	2	5	7	8	15

    11.2 Slightly implemented(1)

    Forming self-help organizations based in rural areas, cooperation and joint activities of NGOs are not sufficient, but self-help organizations based in urban areas are rapidly increasing (such as, Unemployed Persons with Disabilities United, Mobile Rights United for Persons with Disabilities, Research Institute of the Differently Abled Rights in Korea, Easy Access Act for Persons with Disabilities in Korea, Hanbeot Mobile Service Crew for Persons with Disabilities, etc.).

    11.3 Few measure has been taken(0)

    In 1999, the Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons under the Prime Minister, was organized; However reorganization of its structure and prestige is required in order to coordinate policies and programs of ministries, to evaluate accomplishments, and to be a body of communication between the government and NGOs, as was its original mission.

    11.4 Slightly implemented(1)

    Although the establishment and development of organizations of/for persons with disabilities based in rural areas was not sufficient, governmental support for those organization has been increasing in sixteen cities and provinces, since the introduction of the local self-government system.

    - Budget support for Organizations of/for Persons with Disabilities from the Ministry Health and Welfare-

    (Unit: million won, %)

    Year	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
    Support amount	1,019	1,108	940	1,134	2,091	3,580	4,286	4,786	5,286
    Budget compared to welfare for pwd(%)	2.5	2.4	1.7	1.8	2.8	3.6	4.2	4.3	3.8
    increase and decrease	100	108	92	111	205	351	420	469	518

    11.5 Few measure has been taken(0)

    Training programs for persons with disabilities in the community are intermittent, and those programs satisfying both skill(productive aspect) and self-confidence(emotional aspect) are nonexistent and programs are not diverse, if any. Moreover, guidance and management for training teachers of organizations of/for persons with disabilities doesn't exist.

    11.6 Few measure has been taken(0)

    Rehabilitation-oriented programs are still pervasive, and the concept of independent living has only been introduced lately, but activities for its legislation and programs are not sufficient.

12. Regional cooperation

    12.1 Fairly implemented(2)

    In 1997, the UN ESCAP Meeting of Senior Officials was held in Seoul by the Korean Government to mark the mid-point of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. The Song Contest in 1995, the RI Asia & Pacific Regional Conference and the Campaign '97 in 1997 was held by a NGO (Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities) in cooperation with RI and RNN. As another Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons is proclaimed for the continuous development of welfare for people with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific region, the Second Five-Year Plan for Welfare Development(2003-2007) by the Government and the Korean Decade of Persons with Disabilities(2003-2012) by NGOs will be set up along with their action plans according to the actual conditions of each country. The information and materials related to policies and programs on welfare for people with disabilities between GOs and NGOs in the Asia and Pacific region should be shared and exchanged more actively.

13. Women with Disabilities

    As Women with Disabilities are not an independent area of Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons and included in other 12 Agendas, its evaluation is very difficult. Therefore, evaluation has been made in 12 areas of Agenda for Action from the point of women with disabilities.

    1. National Coordination - Few measure has been taken(0)

       As for a national coordination committee in Agenda for Action, it is required to be a representative mechanism of non-governmental organizations including women with disabilities. The Welfare Coordination Committee for Disabled Persons, which functions as a national coordination committee, has three women among 13 members, but they are appointed not as representatives of organizations for women with disabilities but as other positions, and there is no one who represents women with disabilities.

    2. Legislation - Slightly implemented(1)

       The Agenda for Action requires to enact a basic law to eliminate the discrimination of all people with disabilities including women with disabilities and to establish bills for the purpose of improving the quality of their lives. And yet, bills related to disability and women recently began to refer to women with disabilities. Article 9, Clause 2 in the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act and Clause 3 in the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation Act of Disabled Persons, Clause 11 in the Human Rights of Disabled Persons, Clause 8 in the Special Act for Sexual Violence, etc. refer to women with disabilities at the declaratory level and their enforcement ordinances are not prepared yet.

    3. Information - Few measure has been taken(0)

       According to a survey on the actual condition of disabled persons in 2000, it showed that women with disabilities had lower possession rate and information level compared to men with disabilities in the possession and use of information and telecommunication equipments by them; Facsimile(Male - 3.2%, Female - 1.5%) and Computer(Male - 14.4%, Female - 5.5%). Consequently, few efforts have been made for solving the digital divide of women with disabilities.

    4. Public awareness - Slightly implemented(1)

       In patriarchal society and culture, women with disabilities are most alienated the social weak as women and disabled persons living in the general environment with various discriminations and prejudices. Such problems of women with disabilities has become a social issue since the latter half of 1990's, and public awareness has partially made a change. Still, women with disabilities are the most discriminated class, and overall public awareness are not improved yet.

    5. Accessibility and communication - Few measure has been taken(0)

       In our society, accessibility and communication problems of persons with disabilities are not still settled, and women with disabilities are in the more vulnerable state.

    6. Education - Few measure has been taken(0)

       In the Agenda for Action, education is recommended to include girls and women with disabilities in all policies, plans, and programs. However, educational policies and programs in Korea are lacking in gender perspective and the special consideration of women with disabilities.

    7. Training and employment - Slightly implemented(1)

       In the Agenda for Action, gender equality in training and employment is recommended to pay special attention. Article 3 in the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation Act of Disabled Persons states government and local governmental bodies should take measures to protect the rights of women with disabilities, and employment subsidies can be provided to employers who hire women with disabilities within the limits of double minimum wages. Such employment incentives for women with disabilities are considered, those specific results is still early to measure.

    8. Prevention of causes of disability - Few measure has been taken(0)

       In the Agenda for Action, public education campaigns on preventable causes of disability along with gender sensitive demographic data are recommended. However, scientific management systems for the early detection and prevention of disabilities have not yet been not set up. Especially, when women with disabilities who have lower accessible rate are pregnant and give birth to a child, they have lots of difficulties, but support for them are not sufficient.

    9. Rehabilitation services - Few measure has been taken(0)

       In the Agenda for Action, it is recommended to integrate women with disabilities issues into mainstream programs for poverty alleviation, health, housing, transport, human resources development, labor, education, communications, culture, tourism, political activities, etc. Accordingly, women with disabilities should be always taken into consideration in comprehensive rehabilitation services, including medical health, vocational and social rehabilitation. However, our society has a poor understanding of this issue and, consequently, women with disabilities are marginalized from mainstream rehabilitation services.

    10. Assistive devices - Few measure has been taken(0)

        As women with disabilities are alienated in using assistive devices, such support should be expanded. Also, various assistive devices tailored for women with disabilities should be developed and constant in those uses.

    11. Self-help organizations - Fairly implemented(2)

        In the Agenda for Action, a national forum to include marginalized people with disabilities like women with disabilities is recommended to be established. Recently, such organizations for women with disabilities as Korea Differently Abled Women United, 'Common Feeling' of women with disabilities, etc. and special agencies like consultation offices for sexual violence against women with disabilities(12 Places) have been forming. Governmental support for self-help organizations is not sufficient.

    12. Regional cooperation - Slightly implemented(1)

        International cooperation has been sought in East Asia Women Forum, RI Conference, DPI Conference, etc. but a specific network have not been constructed as yet. Also, governmental support for this is not sufficient.

II. Summary and Future Directions and Basic Data of Persons with Disabilities in Korea

1. Please describe the following questions based on your evaluation of the decade;

   (1)Please cite and describe three most significant changes for the life of people with disabilities in Korea over the A/P Decade.

   For people with severe disabilities(1-2 grade) and their families as the beneficiaries of disability allowance, children's educational expenses, etc. under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act have been supported. Registration and acquisition taxes have been exempted when purchasing cars by people with disabilities(1-3 grade).

   • Through expansion of disability categories from the year 2000, internal organ disabilities and mental disabilities, as well as the five established disabilities (physical disability, visual disability, hearing disability, speech disorder, mental retardation) have been included and the phased enlargement of disability categories has continued.

   • Self-help organizations for people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities, have been organized. They are conducting advocacy for people with disabilities, peer counseling, empowerment programs, and cooperation between organizations.

   (2) Please cite and describe the three most undeveloped issues concerning people with disabilities compared with nod-disabled people in Korea.

   Disability allowance should be realized immediately to guarantee stability in the livelihood of people with severe disabilities who are eligible for the basic livelihood security.

   • The physical environment obstructing the social participation and activities of people with disabilities, the negative public awareness toward them, and information access, communication and equal opportunities should be improved along with institutional support.

   • Vocational training and employment opportunities should be focused on persons with the most severe disabilities, and integrated vocational training models should be recommended and given first priority.

   (3) What are three priority measures, which you want, your government takes for people with disabilities in Korea?

   The social security system for people with disabilities should be expanded through the establishment of new caring allowance for people with disabilities.

   • In order to minimize the occurrence of secondary disabilities, rapid transportation and treatment systems for accident patients should be set up and a general mechanism for disability prevention should be established.

   • In order to make an accessible environment for everyone, pavement conditions for pedestrians should be adjusted, curgs of entrance of public buildings should be eliminated, and, therefore, a barrier-free society would be realized.

   (4) What are three priority programs of regional cooperation for people with disabilities?

   Through the host of RNN Campaign '97 and the participation of campaigns, NGOs have shared and exchanged information on welfare for people with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific regions.

   • As part of "Empowering people with disabilities by providing them with IT training" projects by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC), APEC IT Camp for Youth with Disabilities was held in Korea during August 27-30, 2002.

   • In order to achieve the social participation of disabled persons and public awareness toward them through their sports activities, the Busan FESPIC Games will be held in Busan in October 2002.

2. Basic Data of Persons with Disabilities

   (1) The Legal Definition of Persons with Disabilities
   The legal definition of persons with disabilities by the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act
   Chapter 1, Article 2 (Definition of Persons with Disabilities)
   

   1. Persons with disabilities refer to those who have considerable limitations in daily and social life for a long period because of their physical or mental disabilities.

   2. Persons with disabilities who are applied to this act, are those among persons with disabilities by clause 1 regulation and are applicable to the type and standard of disabilities by the Presidential ordinance.

   1. 1. Physical disabilities refer to disorders of major external physical functions, internal organs, etc.

   2. 2. Mental disabilities refer to disabilities causing by intellectual or mental disorders.

(2) The Statistics and Major Survey Results of Persons with Disabilities

* School attendance types of children with disabilities under high school levels