Voices from Vietnam: experiences of children and youth with disabilities, and their families, from an Agent Orange affected rural region

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of young people with disabilities from ethnic minorities, and their families, in central Vietnam. The study is set in an area contaminated by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Data were gathered from interviews with youth with disabilities and interviews and focus groups with mothers who had children with disabilities. Respondents expressed confronting multiple barriers to inclusion, education, health and well-being similar to other persons with disabilities and their families from around the world. Participants sought broad-ranging human rights as they described experiencing stigmatization and marginalization from negative social reaction toward disabilities and by residing in a location known for dioxin contamination. The participants’ voices are not only important in informing program responses to support implementation of Vietnam’s new National Law on Persons with Disabilities, but also timely as the US government considers proposed legislation providing material support for Vietnamese nationals affected by Agent Orange.

Keywords:

• Vietnam
• Agent Orange
• disability
• ethnic minority
• youth

Acknowledgements

This study is funded by Wellcome Trust through an international engagement award. The authors would like to thanks the Women’s Union of the Thua Thien Hue province and A Luoi District for their valuable contributions and support while the study was being conducted.

Notes

1. The name given to the economic reforms initiated in Vietnam in 1986.