Currently, the province has nearly 8,800 people with disabilities, including nearly 6,000 with severe disabilities, more than 2,000 with special severe disabilities, and nearly 5,700 orphans. With the motto “No one should be left behind,” in 2024, the provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights, in coordination with the local Party committees and governments, has promptly organized many programs to care for and address the needs of people with disabilities. The Association has connected with donors to provide financial and material support totaling between VND 2 and 3 billion for building houses, supporting livelihoods, and donating wheelchairs to people with disabilities. Additionally, the association regularly organizes visits and gifts during holidays and festivals. It has also connected livelihood support for 120 poor households with disabled members, providing livestock such as breeding cattle, goats, pigs, and sewing machines in Điện Biên Đông, Điện Biên, Tuần Giáo, Mường Ảng, and the city of Điện Biên Phủ; supported the construction of 13 houses for poor households with disabled members; and donated 1,600 wheelchairs.

Phạm Thị Vịnh, Chairwoman of the provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights, stated: “Most people with disabilities in the province live in difficult circumstances, primarily relying on their families and the social community. The care and protection of people with disabilities have always been prioritized by all levels of government and the community, with many practical activities to care for, help, and support people with disabilities, such as building houses and providing livelihood tools. As a result, the lives of people with disabilities are secured, ensuring equality in society. This success is not only a result of the association’s work but also the collective efforts and support of the Party, local governments, businesses, and philanthropists. Furthermore, we have called on officials and members to strengthen public awareness in order to connect more donors and gather contributions, thereby providing more resources to support people with disabilities.”

Nông Văn Quang, a person with disabilities from Yên Trường hamlet, Thanh Yên commune (Điện Biên district), is one of the poor households with difficult circumstances. In April 2024, through funding from the Vietnam Red Cross, he was supported with a breeding cow. Receiving the cow, Quang emotionally shared: “With the support of the breeding cow, when it reproduces, I will have additional income to cover my living expenses. I have also been regularly encouraged by the members of the provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights to overcome challenges, which gives me confidence and motivation to improve my life.”

Cà Thị Xôm, from Xôm hamlet, Pá Khoang commune (Điện Biên Phủ city), suffers from a neurological and mental disability. Through the connection of the provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights and the Red Cross of Điện Biên Phủ city, she was supported with a newly built house and livelihood assistance, gradually stabilizing her life.

Cà Văn Nọi, Cà Thị Xôm’s brother from Pá Khoang commune, shared: “My sister’s situation was difficult, with one daughter married far away, and she herself suffers from a mental disability and weak health, so she cannot do heavy work. Thanks to the support from organizations, my sister received a 70sq.m house in 2024 and a cow in 2020. After the cow gave birth, my sister sold the calf and used the money to help with house construction and switched to raising buffalo. Thanks to this support, she has been able to escape poverty and is motivated to improve her life.”

Lò Văn Piếng, the Chairperson of the chapter of the Association for People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights in Pá Khoang commune (Điện Biên Phủ city), said: “In our commune, there are 50 people with disabilities, of whom 10 have difficult circumstances. Recently, Pá Khoang commune, together with the provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights, has supported livestock for families of people with disabilities in need to motivate them to improve their lives. Moreover, we regularly review and identify people with disabilities facing difficulties to support them promptly.”

The attention and care for people with disabilities in the province not only reflect the spirit of compassion but also help them gain more opportunities to overcome life’s challenges, build confidence, and integrate into the community.