SRD recognizes that poor people with disabilities face additional obstacles to developing sustainable livelihoods.

In 2009, SRD began a project to support people with disabilities in Thua Thien Hue province, one of the provinces with the highest number of people with disabilities.

Three self- help groups for people with disabilities have been established, where members received training in a variety of agricultural and livelihood skills. Health care and rehabilitation services are also offered to self-help group members, and 45 out of 120 members have now been provided with much needed rehabilitation services.

Self help group members learning new skills

In addition, group members were able to access project loans, and many people took this opportunity and started small businesses, or purchased livestock or equipment for agriculture. Accessing the loans provided significant opportunities for people with disabilities and their families to independently make positive changes in their lives. Several years on, the lives of many group members has improved significantly, both materially and socially. The project has also helped address the stigma of people with disabilities within the province, and many people have been able to move out of poverty.

SRD ensures that people with disabilities involved in all our livelihoods receive additional support to allow them to engage in our project activities and work towards developing an appropriate, sustainable livelihood.