People with disabilities often face many difficulties in life, and this is particularly so for people with disabilities (PWD) living in rural areas. Depending type and severity of the disabilities, they meet different challenges in life and livelihood development. In addition, many PWDs in rural areas in Vietnam have limited knowledge, due to lack of inclusive education environment for PWD, high poverty rate, and low awareness on PWD from parents. With this low educational level combined with the disability, it can be extremely hard for PWDs to find a job with good income, especially in the rural areas.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Hiep from the 5th village, Sieu Quan commune, Phong Binh district is facing this typical scenario for PWD in rural area. Having a disabled leg, he has to move around with the use of a crutch. In addition, his wife's health is not good due to her congenital heart disease, so she is unable to do hard work to support the family. They have three school-aged children, which adds to their financial responsibility. Being granted six sao (one sao equivalent to approximately 350 sqm) of rice field by local authorities, they have to hire six workers to cultivate due to their limited ability and restrictions of their health conditions. High input costs together with the cost of hiring workers leaves no remaining income for their family after each harvest; if they are lucky, they will have only enough rice for their family.

In the early 2009, when SRD's Supporting People with Disabilities project was carried out in Thua Thien Hue province, Mr. Hiep was so happy to be chosen as a member of the Self Help Group of Phong Binh, along with 40 others. Being involved in this group allowed Mr Hiep to share his experiences with other members through group meetings, and, witnessing difficulties in agricultural production, they determined to turn to livestock and service development. Thanks to his self-taught knowledge, he earned a bicycle and motorbike tire mending job. In September 2009, by taking a loan of 3 million VND from the project, he invested in one more electronic pump and other equipment in order to officially open his own mending service. This job provided them with a daily income of 15-20 thousand VND. The small income was a stable source for family during leisure time. In September 2010, they were able to pay the loan of 3 million to the project - money earned from his repair job.

Mr Hiep working in his repairs service

Mr Heip said, "In the past we had no money, we could hardly afford living, so saving money is utopian. Thanks to the loan from project, I dared to take a risk and invest in the repair service, which has helped to increase our income. After paying off our debt, I am so happy to own the electric pump and tools."  

After paying the debt, his family was lent another 3 million VND for the next round, based on the agreement of all members of Self Help Group of Phong Binh commune, and his good business results. This time, he invested in pig raising, reported to be a high income yield area. Although the input cost is high, pig price this year has the potential to provide a good income. Now, his four pigs are weighed 50-60 kg, and preparing to be sold. He estimated that it could provide him 2 million VND of net income. He has the aim of having enough money to repair his dilapidated and old house, to be more comfortable for him and his family.