THE END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION REPORT
ACCESS FOR ALL (AFA) – DRD
(finalized)
by SNPO, July 2021
Table of Contents
1. PROJECT BACKGROUND
2. ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT WHEN IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION
4. METHODS OF EVALUATION
5. FINDINGS
6. CONCLUSION
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
 
Tables
Table 1. Role of consultants and members of groups participating in performance evaluation .... 8
Table 2. Levels of achievement of target indicators .................................................................... 10
Table 3. Percentage of PWDs participating in the survey confirming changes to the PWDs
community .................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 4. Percentage of PWDs participating in the survey confirming changes to themselves ..... 11
Table 5. Percentage of surveyees acknowledging levels of changes to their awareness of PWDs’
rights........................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 6. Percentage of surveyees naming PWDs’ rights under the Law on PWDs....................... 12
Table 7. Percentage of surveyees talking about opportunities to have their awareness of PWDs’
rights enhanced........................................................................................................................... 13
Table 8. Percentage of members talking about benefits of participating in PWDs’ clubs and 
groups......................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 9. Percentage of surveyees agreeing on degrees of improvement in access to public 
services........................................................................................................................................ 17
Table 10. Number of learners receiving training in social work with PWDs................................. 18
Table 11. Percentage of surveyees talking about the degrees of response of the project to PWDs’
needs........................................................................................................................................... 20
Table 12. Sources of support outside the project......................................................................... 21
Table 13. Percentage of surveyees assessing the integration of elements into the project......... 22
Table 14. Percentage of surveyees expressing satisfaction with the project ............................... 23
1. Project Background
From 2007 up to now, Vietnam has passed many documents related to disability issues, most 
important of which is the Law on Disability issued by National Assembly of Vietnam in 2010. Since 
2011 the disability movement has changed in a positive way. However, policy implementation has 
been hampered due to a lack of enforcement of the law. In addition to the barriers of behaviour 
and attitude of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the biggest obstacles to equality of opportunity 
are physical environment and the low self-confidence of people with disabilities. These barriers 
prevent people with disabilities from integrating into the community.
In 2015, the Accessibility for Inclusion Project (AIP) is being conducted by DRD. The project does
not only to increase awareness of disability rights but also to improve physical accessibility for 
people with disabilities in Tay Ninh and Binh Dinh. By the end of 2017, DRD will have established 
two monitoring teams for physical accessibility compliance; improved 35 accessible public sites 
for people with disabilities; trained and communicated with nearly 1,000 people on disability 
rights and creating a barrier-free environment.
AIP is laying the groundwork for improving disability rights advocacy in Tay Ninh and Binh Dinh, 
but barriers to inclusion for PWDs remain. Public awareness of disability rights is still low and 
PWDs do not have a strong enough voice or profile to take on advocacy at a national level. 
Opportunities for PWDs to come together and share experiences, for example through self-help 
groups, are still limited. These opportunities are needed in order that groups of PWDs support 
each other to raise their expectations and aspirations for the future. Recent policies to support 
PWDs are not yet being implemented due to a lack of enforcement of the law and the lack of any 
system for monitoring implementation of these policies. An effective monitoring system must 
include PWDs in the assessment of policy implementation success.
Therefore, following the AIP project, DRD implemented the project "Access For All” (AFA). The 
AFA project was implemented from August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2020, and an extension to July 31, 
2021. The overall goal of the project is to promote the equality of opportunity for persons with 
disabilities by building capacity and improving physical accessibility in Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and 
Binh Dinh provinces of Vietnam. To implement this goal, the project will pursue the following 
objectives:
1. Increased awareness of disability rights among persons with disabilities and the wider 
public;
2. PWD self-help organizations are established and strengthened at commune/district 
levels;
3. Building capacity to promote accessibility right of people with disabilities in Tay Ninh, 
Dong Nai and Binh Dinh;
4. Improved capacity of DRD staff and local partners on project management and 
community mobilization.
The project will target at least 7,740 beneficiaries, including 2,160 direct beneficiaries (PWDs, 
disability leaders), and 5,580 indirect beneficiaries (Service providers, including government 
officials, private sector, family members of persons with disabilities, local authorities, lecturers, 
social workers, social work students, journalists, governmental agencies and non-profit 
organizations).
The implementing organization and local partners:
- The implementing organization: Disability Research and Capacity Development (DRD)
- Main partners: DOLISA in Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and Binh Dinh
- Other stakeholders: local departments, universities, hospitals, centers for social work 
practice
2. Economic, political and social context when implementing the project
General context
There is strong consensus between the disability community and the Government of Vietnam that 
people with disabilities should have equal opportunities to contribute to their country. The 
National Coordinating Council on Disability (NCCD) was established in 2001 by the Ministry of 
Labour, Invalid, and Social Affairs (MOLISA), who took responsibility for coordinating, promoting 
and monitoring disability policies, and implementing the 2012-2020 National Action Plan to 
support persons with disabilities. From 2010 to 2013, the government passed the Law on 
Disability and issued regulations to implement some areas of the law. In November 2014, Vietnam 
ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). On October 9th, 2015, 
the Prime Minister reinforced the role of NCCD to comply with provisions of the CRPD. This 
Committee is tasked with assisting the Prime Minister to steer the coordination between 
ministries, sectors and localities in addressing issues related to persons with disabilities.
The government is gradually adopting a rights-based model of disability and supporting the 
activities of the self-help groups of PWDs. The project plan is consistent with Vietnam's National 
Action Plan 2012-2020 - Supporting People with Disabilities. In addition, the target beneficiaries, 
objectives and activities of the project are also consistent with the annual plan of the local 
partners.
The project operates in three priority provinces of the United States Agency for International 
Development (USAID) including Binh Dinh, Dong Nai and Tay Ninh, which are heavily sprayed with 
Agent Orange (dioxin).
Factors affecting the approach, implementation schedule, and the project’s objectives
• At the end of 2019 and early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic appeared and spread rapidly, not 
only seriously affecting the health and life of people but also having a negative impact on the 
economic development and social activities. In that difficult and challenging context, many 
project activities were put on hold under the social distancing directive of the Prime Minister. This 
has affected the progress of project activities. Many activities (seminars, trainings, skills training, 
events, etc.) have moved to online form. Under the agreement and acceptance of the United 
States Agency for International Development (USAID), the project has extended the completion 
schedule to July 31, 2020. Even so, the project's goals are still guaranteed.
• Global climate change and natural disasters (droughts, floods) caused damage to many 
countries and localities. However, the impact of natural disasters in Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and Binh 
Dinh is not significant on the approach, implementation progress and objectives of the project.
• Policies and institutions of Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and Binh Dinh provinces have not changed 
significantly. The change in personnel in the organization of local partners (Tay Ninh and Dong Nai 
Departments of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs) only had a small impact, not seriously affecting 
the approach, implementation progress and objectives of the project.
3. Objectives of the end-of-project evaluation
The overall goals of this consulting work are to evaluate achievements of the project made after 
three years of implementation (and a one-year extended part) and to put forth conclusions and 
recommendations based on findings. Specifically, the performance evaluation is to record and 
analyze
• Changes generated from project implementation in beneficiary groups and
• Approaches made by the project to realize these changes.
Questions of performance evaluation and their details as follows:
1) What targeted indicators and achievement levels has the project made?
2) What changes has the project made? In terms of
o Awareness of PWDs's rights
o Establishment and development of PWDs's clubs and self-help groups
o Capacity of service providers of public works and public services
o Capacity of DRD staff members and project partners
3) What are the relevant points during project management and implementation? In terms of
o Relevancy, effectiveness and efficiency
o Involvement of PWDs and the community
o Gender mainstreaming
4) What are the lessons learned from the project?
5) What are the next steps after the project?
The DRD leaders and consulting team have expected that by participating in the evaluation
process, DRD staff members and local staffs would gain their own experience in self-evaluating 
their work and working efficiency through interactions and experience sharing with beneficiary 
groups and the consulting team. This is also how DRD the capacity of performance evaluation for 
project staffs and local staffs through the “hand-on learning” approach.
4. Methods of evaluation
4.1. Combine qualitative and quantitative evaluation
Performance evaluation combines qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Qualitative 
information is collected through desk research, in-depth interviews, and group discussions.
Quantitative information is collected through a structured questionnaire.
Secondary information
The consulting team has researched the following documents:
• AFA’s for phase 1 and phase 2 
• Project’s MEL plan
• Project pre-evaluation assessment in Binh Dinh and Tay Ninh provinces
• 6-month and 1-year project reports
• Milestone summary reports, from No. 1 to No. 51
Qualitative information from in-depth interviews and group discussions
4 semi-structured questionnaires are developed to collect qualitative information from
• Local partners
• Union officials and teachers
• PWDs participating in the project
• Families of PWDs and community
In-depth interviews and group discussions were conducted in different ways to better suit the 
context of the Covid-19 pandemic in the project areas. The consulting team conducted in-depth 
interviews and group discussions with local staffs on Zoom and Zalo. The local staffs, after some 
training, knew how to collect information through direct interviews with beneficiaries and 
community members.
Quantitative information from the structured questionnaire
A structured questionnaire was developed to collect quantitative information from PWDs
beneficiaries. Local staffs and volunteers take charge of collecting the information. Quantitative 
information was collected via Kobo Toolbox software program or via hard copies (printed on 
paper) for actual convenience. The hard copies were made online and converted into the forms 
available on Kobo Toolbox accordingly. DRD officials and staff members were in charge of 
information storage and on-site supervision.
4.2. Source and sample size of information and sampling
The source of qualitative information was selected purposefully, based on the relevance of 
project participants, beneficiaries and implementation processes through management related 
to planning, financing, training, etc. Information was collected by the consulting team from
officials involved in project management and implementation, PWDs beneficiaries, families of 
PWDs and community members. 40 participants joined in-depth interviews and group 
discussions.
The sample size for quantitative information was calculated on the assumption that obtained 
statistical results have an error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%, the rate p = q = 0.5, and 
applied to an identified population of 2,160 PWDs beneficiaries. The sample size is calculated 
using the one-sample proportion evaluation formula. These samples are distributed to the 3 
provinces participating in the project, according to the principle of probability proportional to the 
size of the beneficiary population. After data cleaning, the number of quantitative samples used 
for performance evaluation is n = 324, distributed among Binh Dinh (n1 = 98), Dong Nai (n2 = 62)
and Tay Ninh (n3 = 164).
PWDs were interviewed in the most convenient way possible, with the common criterion of 
benefiting from the project, regardless of any particular benefit. However, the quantitative survey
included questions to differentiate beneficiary groups.
As a result, a total of 324 PWDs participating in the quantitative survey and 40 members related 
to the project in in-depth interviews and group discussions.
4.3. Group evaluation
The performance evaluation was made in a participatory manner. Participants in performance 
evaluation consist of: independent consultants, DRD staff members, local staffs and community 
volunteers.
Table 1. Role of consultants and performance evaluation group members
Consultants Project staff members
Preparation  Design the performance 
evaluation
 Map out plans
 Develop evaluation tools 
 Set up KoBoToolbox
 Develop reference documents
 Provide information
 Comment evaluation tools
 Prepare field works
Information 
collection
 Conduct online and offline in￾depth interviews and group 
discussions
 Support information collection
 Select participants in performance 
evaluation
 Conduct offline in-depth interviews 
and group discussion
 Collect quantitative information
Information 
analysis
 Conduct qualitative and 
quantitative analysis
 Check quantitative sheets (hard 
copies)
 Convert quantitative sheets (hard 
copies) into tables on KoBoToolbox
Report 
making
 Identify initial findings
 Outline the evaluation report
 Finalize the evaluation report
 Discuss initial findings
 Compile project overview and 
background
 Comments the evaluation report
4.4. Implementation process and limitations
Due to social restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, field activities for evaluation were 
changed. The consulting team conducted in-depth interviews and group discussions via phone 
calls using software programs instead of direct. Volunteers received online support in information 
collection instead of direct support. Periodical meetings were organized during fieldwork 
between project staff members, beneficiary groups and consulting team to enable project staffs 
to self-estimate their own workload and efficiency. The consulting team, at the same time,
promoted online discussions and enhanced roles of project staff members during the evaluation
process.
The evaluation group was unable to approach initial survey data so it was impossible to 
incorporate initial data into the performance evaluation report for comparative analysis.
5. Findings
5.1. Levels of achievement of target indicators
The project achieved almost all the target indicators. The vital indicators of the project have been 
achieved at very high levels, i.e., numbers of PWDs beneficiaries and their involvement, and roles
of PWDs’ organizations in local programs and projects. Here are some typical examples:
• The number of trained service providers (individuals) serving vulnerable groups reached 
2,142, compared to the target number of 1,850, # up to 115.7%.
• The number of audited public places/buildings toward enhancing increasing PWDs’ right of 
access reached 490, compared to the target number of 210, # up to 233.3 %.
• The number of PWDs’ organizations participating in monitoring and evaluating local PWDs
support programs reached 19, compared to the target of number 14, # up to 135.7%.
• The number of PWDsreceiving services directly provided by USAID-funded programs reached
2,729; against the target number of 2,160, # up to 126.3%.
The indicators above exceeded set targets thanks to the fact that the project was implemented 
with interactive interventions and accompaniment. As capacities of service provision for PWDs
groups are enhanced (indicator IR2.3 PM2), the number of PWDs’ organizations participating in 
programs went up (indicator DMP 9), and access to public services improved (indicator DMP 16 
and indicator DRD 2). Consequently, there was an increase in the number of PWDs receiving the 
services (indicator DO2PM6).
Moreover, thanks to the attraction of the project, when training courses or community activities 
were held, there were more PWDs participants than the invitees. This also resulted in an increase 
in the number of PWDs receiving training in gender-based violence, PWDs’ rights in the number 
of PWDs receiving services directly from the project.
Two indicators reached lower levels than the set targets. It’s not because that project 
interventions are beyond reach, but due to the practical conditions at a certain extent. Besides, 
the targets had been set with high expectation that unintentionally pushed the expected numbers
to impractical level. Specifically, the project set to have 16 legal documents, policies or procedures 
compiled, amended and/or issued to support the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. Actually, 
nine policies (indicator IR 2.3. PM1) are enough to enhance the social inclusion. It’s unnecessary 
to change policies (which are currently effective) to reach the set target (13 policies); this even 
will backfire. Similarly, there are no more than 66 organizations under State management giving 
support to vulnerable groups (indicator DO2. PM7).
Table 2. Levels of achievement of target indicators
Indicator Unit Target 
numbers
Actual 
numbers
DO2PM6: Number of PWDs receiving the services 
directly provided by USAID-funded programs
Person 2,160 2,729
DMPG2: Number of PWDs receiving training in gender￾based violence
Person 380 544
DMP 16: Number of audited public places/buildings Building 210 490
DMP 9: Number of PWDs’ organizations participating in 
monitoring and evaluation of local PWDs support 
programs
Organization 14 19
IR 2.3. PM1: Number of legal documents, policies or 
procedures compiled, amended and/or issued to 
support the social inclusion of vulnerable groups
Legal 
document, 
policy, 
procedure
13 16
IR2.3 PM2: Number of trained service providers 
(individuals) serving vulnerable groups
Organization 1,850 2,142
DO2. PM7: Number of organizations under State 
management and local PWDs’ organizations dedicated 
to vulnerable groups having capacity enhanced
Organization 100 66
DRD2: Number of organizations/unions with 
contribution to improvement of accessibility
Association/
Union
9 25
5.2. Changes made thanks to the project
Generally, the project has helped the PWDs community to raise awareness of PWDs’ rights, 
supported PWDsto set up groups to realize the rights and improve their role and status in society. 
In addition, the project has promoted adjustments related to building public works and 
strengthened capacities of service provision staffs. PWDs’ access to public services has been 
enhanced alike, as the project title reveals, “Access for All” (AFA).
Table 3. Percentage of PWDs participating in the survey confirming changes to the PWDs
community
Binh 
Dinh
Dong
Nai
Tay 
Ninh Total
Awareness of PWDs and community about PWDs’ 77.6 54.8 84.8 76.9
rights enhanced
PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups established and 
helped with operation
2.0 16.1 84.8 46.6
PWDs helped to use public works 37.8 19.4 48.8 39.8
Capacity of officials and social workers enhanced so 
that they can work with PWDs more effectively 36.7 30.6 41.5 38.0
No considerable changes made 5.1 3.2 1.2 2.8
No changes seen 7.1 12.9 1.2 5.2
From PWDs’ perspectives, the project has helped improve their quality of life. Specifically, PWDs
become more self-confident, self-reliant and even can help other people in the same light. The 
role and status of PWDs in the family and community are strengthened. Changes acknowledged 
by those from Tay Ninh province are clearer than those of the two other provinces.
Table 4. Percentage of PWDs participating in the survey confirming changes to themselves
Binh 
Dinh
Dong 
Nai
Tay 
Ninh Total
Quality of life improved 30.6 32.3 68.3 50.0
More self-confident 71.4 58.1 91.5 79.0
More self-reliant 23.5 51.6 59.8 47.2
Able to help other PWDs 15.3 35.5 54.3 38.9
Role and status in the family enhanced 15.3 11.3 31.7 22.8
Role and status in the community, society 
strengthened 14.3 8.1 18.9 15.4
No considerable changes made 8.2 3.2 3.0 4.6
No changes seen 8.2 1.6 0.6 3.1
5.2.1. Changes of awareness of PWDs themselves, family and community about PWDs’ rights
Changes of PWDs themselves
The project has helped PWDs to raise awareness of their own rights. Most of the participants (# 
75%) in performance evaluation process admitted that the project has significantly improved their 
awareness of PWDs’ rights.
Table 5. Percentage of surveyees acknowledging levels of changes to their awareness of PWDs’
rights
Binh Dinh Dong Nai Tay Ninh Total
Significantly improved 12.2 53.2 43.3 35.8
Considerably improved 56.1 19.4 36.6 39.2
Just improved 17.3 16.1 12.8 14.8
Partly improved 13.3 11.3 7.3 9.9
No improvement seen 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.3
In-depth interviews, group discussions and quantitative data show that PWDs’ awareness of their 
own rights has been enhanced, thereby making them more self-confident. This is thanks to their 
participation in groups and clubs dedicated to people like them, thanks to the sharing from 
members of such groups and clubs, and thanks to communication activities of the project.
o “Earlier, I didn’t pay much attention to laws or policies dedicated to PWDs. I’ve become 
more self-confident and happier since my joining the club (…). It’s great that I’m now very 
self-confident thanks to receiving training in issues related to PWDs…”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Tay Ninh
o “Before joining the club, my husband just stayed at home, so he was afraid of 
communicating with other people, including our relatives. But since he participated in the 
club set up by the project, he has become more communicative (…). I think the project has 
made many changes and helped PWDs better understand their own rights and policies and 
laws dedicated to them.”
An interview with a disabled person’s wife in Tay Ninh
o “We have had better understanding of PWDs’ rights and been more confident in joining 
groups to get sharing from those who are in the same situation, thereby creating power 
through solidarity and gradually changing the way the community views PWDs.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Binh Dinh
Most of the PWDs participating in the survey can list their common rights under the Law on PWDs.
The most-mentioned rights are the eligibility for monthly allowance, the eligibility for health 
insurance coverage and the eligibility for tuition fee exemption and reduction when PWDs study 
at general or vocational schools. About one third of PWDs participating in the quantitative survey 
mention PWDs’ rights related to supporting and enabling PWDs to get employment at business 
households and enterprises.
Table 6. Percentage of surveyees naming PWDs’ rights under the Law on PWDs
Binh 
Dinh
Dong 
Nai
Tay 
Ninh Total
Monthly allowance 96.9 91.9 95.7 95.4
Health insurance coverage 98.0 96.8 85.4 91.4
Tuition fee exemption and reduction 26.5 32.3 40.2 34.6
Free vocational training 40.8 30.6 37.2 37.0
Discount tickets for culture, sports, 
entertainment services…
25.5 27.4 32.9 29.6
Persons with severe disabilities (PWSD) are 
exempt from service fees when participating in 
traffic
26.5 30.6 32.9 30.6
PWDs or households generating jobs for PWDs
are eligible for loans with preferential interest 
rates, receive training in production, business…
28.6 30.6 48.8 39.2
Production and business establishments where 
PWDs account for 30% of the workforce receive 
funding to improve working conditions to better 
suit PWDs and are eligible for corporate income 
tax exemption…
8.2 21.0 29.3 21.3
Other rights according to legal provisions 18.4 48.4 25.0 27.5
Generally speaking, about two thirds of PWDs have their awareness and self-confidence raised 
thanks to activities of the project. Regarding the participating provinces, PWDs in Tay Ninh have 
their awareness better enhanced thanks to their greater participation in groups, clubs and 
communication activities of the project than that of those in Binh Dinh and Dong Nai.
Table 7. Percentage of surveyees talking about opportunities to have their awareness of PWDs’
rights enhanced
Binh 
Dinh
Dong 
Nai
Tay 
Ninh Total
Through participating in communication activities 
of the project
39.8 37.1 90.9 65.1
Through participating in PWDs’ clubs, groups set 
up by the project 10.2 54.8 98.8 63.6
Through other PWDs 37.8 43.5 28.7 34.3
Through dear ones 64.3 30.6 20.1 35.5
Through books, newspapers, radio and TV shows 72.4 59.7 34.8 50.9
Changes to families and community
The project has raised awareness of families and the community about PWDs’ rights and 
capacities, thereby creating favorable conditions and contributing to improving the role and 
status of PWDs in the family and community. Here are some remarkable statements from in￾depth interviews and group discussions in the project areas.
o “As the awareness of families and the society has been much improved in recent times, 
PWDs have had more chances to live a normal life (…). People’s view on PWDs has also 
been changed positively. And PWDs’ families have always endorsed support for PWDs to 
stay self-reliant and remove barriers.”
o “Earlier, I didn’t support PWDs’ social inclusion because I thought they would get hurt 
easily by others due to their lack of understanding of their own rights and policies 
dedicated to them. But when seeing changes made since they joined activities of the PWDs’
club, I’ve changed my mind. I see that they are now more self-confident and able to protect 
and take care of themselves. So, I feel more reassured now.”
o “As far as I know, the public now limits the use of the term “handicapped” and uses the 
term “disabled” instead to refer to people with disabilities. They have also given more 
enthusiastic support to PWDs. They have no longer discriminated against PWDs, either 
because they have had better understanding of PWDs’ rights.”
o “Among the changes, we have seen an important change in terms of awareness of the 
community about PWDs.”
o “The community has had a more positive view on PWDs. Earlier, people thought that PWDs
could do nothing. So, they gave help by giving cash or money to PWDs. But now some 
enterprises and production establishments have enabled PWDs to do the jobs that suit 
PWDs’ conditions and physical health. Therefore, PWDs can enjoy fully the rights and 
obligations of a citizen.”
5.2.2. Establishment and changes of PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups
Number of clubs, groups and their membership
The project has helped to establish 12 PWDs’ clubs and groups (compared to the target number 
of 6), with 281 official members. According to DRD staff members, the clubs that were set up 
when the project was in the final stage have not yet been equipped fully with capacities related 
to group leadership planning, event planning, crowdsourcing, legal policies, policy advocacy, 
gender and gender-based violence prevention. Therefore, the clubs still have confusions while
implementing their activities. 8 PWDs’ clubs established at the final stage of the project have no 
chance to take part in awareness enhancement and capacity improvement activities.
Among the PWDs participating in the quantitative survey, 97% are members of clubs and self￾help groups. The figure is lower in Dong Nai (48.4%) and Binh Dinh (11.2%).
Capacity of heads and members of PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups
Members of PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups received trainings in the Law on PWDs and relevant
policies, management skills, teamwork skills. They are supported to connect with legal services, 
vocational training and rehabilitation, etc.
Table 8. Percentage of members talking about benefits of participating in PWDs’ clubs and groups
Binh 
Dinh
Dong 
Nai
Tay 
Ninh Total
Trained in legal provisions and policies dedicated to PWDs 63.6 76.7 91.2 87.5
Trained in management skills, teamwork skills… 27.3 36.7 73.0 65.0
Familiarized with special subjects during monthly 
meetings 
9.1 13.3 58.5 49.0
Provided with consultancy and supported in terms of legal 
services, vocational training, and rehabilitation… 72.7 43.3 33.3 37.0
Acquainted with people sharing the same situations 27.3 60.0 57.9 56.5
Enabled to promote mutual support 63.6 66.7 61.0 62.0
During in-depth interviews and group discussions, members listed changes made to themselves 
thanks to their participation in the PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups. For example:
o Become more self-confident at work after well trained as members of the club executive 
board in terms of management and supervision of monthly meeting agenda 
o Have club management skills significantly improved compared to the beginning
o Acquire skills to help PWDs feel more confident and encourage them to better integrate 
into social life 
o Feel more optimistic and happier when having a place to come to share thoughts and 
expectations
o Have an equal opportunity to access State agencies and local support policies for PWDs
o Attract more PWDs to join so that they can raise their voice about issues facing PWDs and 
become more confident in life 
Employment and payment for members
The project has helped PWDs to access many different sources of funding to invest in livelihood
development. A total of VND820 million was mobilized to support livelihood development and 
emergency cases. In addition, thanks to the project, PWDs have become more confident in life, 
getting fair access to State livelihood support services, such as vocational training, technical 
training and bank loans.
o “Earlier, they had to struggle very hard to earn their living. Thanks to the financial support 
of the club and DRD, life of club members being PWDs has become easier and more 
stable.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Tay Ninh
o “PWDs like me are always at a disadvantage when they want to borrow just a small sum 
of money, VND1-2 million, for example. Many people often think that PWDs don’t have 
any source of income to pay the loan. In that situation, I didn’t know what to do rather 
than look for help from others. Since my joining the club, I have become more confident, 
although life is still hard. Specifically, I came to relevant agencies to learn more about 
preferential loans. Instead of keeping silent as before, now I am confident enough to raise 
my voice to protect myself when asked what I could do to pay the loan.”
Part of an in-depth interview with a disabled person in Binh Dinh
Enhancing roles of PWDs, clubs and self-help groups in the community and the society
PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups have played well the role of a connector among members so 
that they can meet, share things and promote mutual support. Through such gatherings, PWDs
have affirmed their role in community activities and society.
o “Thanks to joining the club, PWDs are enabled to exchange and share experience and help 
each other to become happier and more confident in life.”
o “Since the establishment of the club, we have received both spiritual and material support 
and encouragement from State agencies at different levels, local authorities and 
benefactors and improved knowledge about PWDs’ interests and obligations, and 
especially support policies for PWDs of the local authorities.”
o “I have had a chance to survey PWDs’ expectations about the building of public works. I 
felt a bit afraid in the beginning and didn’t know what to do first. But after getting involved 
in this work for a while, I have realized how meaningful it is. I have also had a chance to 
raise my voice and get my petitions noticed. Although such petitions are not yet to be 
realized, it is still important because I can raise my voice about the needs of PWDs like me 
and how to make it easier for us to travel. I do hope that my petitions will be realized 
soon.”
o “The policy advocacy training course held by DRD has helped club members to have better 
understanding of PWDs’ interests and know how to get their expectations and petitions 
heard.”
o “Positive changes, such as ramps for PWDs built, and better access to public services for 
PWDs, have enabled PWDs to get involved in social activities, find jobs, learn new 
knowledge and take care of themselves. Therefore, they can unleash their inherent 
abilities and are no longer burdens for the family and society.” 
Opinions expressed at group discussions of PWDs’ clubs in Tay Ninh and Binh Dinh
5.2.3. Changes of awareness and capacities of service providers toward increasing PWDs’
accessibility to public works and public services
Changes of awareness and attitude of local authorities and public service providers
The project has helped improve local officials’ understanding of PWDs’ rights and change their 
attitude and practice toward providing public services with greater care, respect, and 
convenience for PWDs.
o “Local authorities at all levels have paid attention to PWDs’ social inclusion needs by 
renovating ramps for greater convenience so that PWDs can get better access to such 
public works as culture houses, buildings of the social security sector and State 
management agencies, etc. So, PWDs’ right of access has been better ensured.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Binh Dinh
o “Changes have really been made. Local authorities have given more enthusiastic support 
to PWDs. Attitude to them has also been changed positively.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Tay Ninh
o “Local authorities have paid greater attention to us than before and enabled us to perform 
administrative procedures more quickly. They have also taken better care of our life. So, it 
can be said that this project has made visible changes here in our locality.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Tay Ninh
Quantitative data showed that the project has helped PWDs with better access to public services. 
This positive trend is seen more clearly in Tay Ninh.
Table 9. Percentage of surveyees agreeing on degrees of improvement in access to public services
Binh Dinh Dong Nai Tay Ninh Total
Much improved 6.1 24.2 41.5 27.5
Improved 35.7 12.9 30.5 28.7
Normal 39.8 51.6 17.7 30.9
Partly improved 14.3 11.3 10.4 11.7
Unimproved 4.1 0.0 0.0 1.2
Public works are made more accessible, supervised and renovated
Improvement of access to public works, supervision and renovation of such works are the 
highlights of the project, making it different from other projects and programs. Not only PWDs
beneficiaries but also providers of such services highly appreciate this intervention.
o “Many changes have been made. For example, civil employees at State agencies like 
People’s Committee have treated PWDs more kindly; and ramps have been built at public 
works to facilitate the movement of wheelchair users.”
o “I highly appreciate the survey on access to public works in the precincts of State agencies, 
which serves as the foundation to send petitions on improvement of access to such works 
for PWDs. This is a meaningful activity, creating favorable conditions for PWDs to access 
basic services at administrative agencies. Importantly, working with DRD staff members
and surveyees being PWDs, now I better understand the necessity to build ramps for
PWDs.”
In-depth interviews with project staff members in Binh Dinh
D Map – A helpful mobile app for PWDs
About one third (32.1%) of PWDs participating in the survey have got to know or heard about the 
access map of DMap mobile app. The number of people knowing about DMap in Tay Ninh is higher 
than that in Dong Nai and Binh Dinh. Almost half of those knowing about DMap (44.2%) have 
installed the app on their mobile devices. Most of those have installed the app give positive 
comments on the app, with the percentage of people saying they are satisfied and very satisfied 
with the app being 47.8% and 28.3%, respectively.
Those who have not installed the app yet are those who have not had a mobile phone yet.
o “We have heard a lot about DMap and its benefits. But even some executive board 
members do not have smartphone. And many PWDs do not have one, either. So, we cannot 
use DMap app.”
Opinion expressed at a group discussion of a PWDs’ club in Tay Ninh
5.2.4. Capacity improvement among DRD staff members and project management partners
Capacity improvement among DRD project staffs in-charge and project provinces
DRD has applied the rights-based approach of the Convention on the Rights of PWDs and the 
asset-based community development (ABCD) approach of the social work sector to support 
activities for PWDs.
Specifically, interventions of the project turn toward raising awareness of related parties about 
PWDs’ rights, awareness of individuals and PWDs’ club members about rights. In addition, DRD 
has mobilized the involvement of related parties in giving support to PWDs, especially mobilizing 
nearly VND1.4 billion worth of support to comprehensively meet PWDs’ needs.
The capacity of the provincial Coordination Board and in-charge groups in the provinces is 
enhanced through training courses and the implementation process of the project.
o “We are enabled to join training courses on crowdsourcing and community-based survey, 
evaluation and supervision activities which are really helpful for our work.”
o “Now we can give good advice to senior leaders on PWDs’ real needs and sources of 
support for PWDsin terms of vocational training, healthcare, support programs, etc. More 
importantly, we know that it’s more effective to attract the involvement of many related 
parties.”
In-depth interviews with representatives of DOLISA
Capacity improvement among local staffs working with PWDs
1,654 staff members at organizations and bodies supporting PWDs and social work students were
trained in social works with PWDs.
Table 10. Number of trainees in social work with PWDs
Participants in training courses on social works with PWDs Target 
number
Actual 
number
Lecturers, social workers 200 209
Healthcare workers 480 488
Staff members at social facilities 480 474
Social work students 480 483
Total 1,640 1,654
Building groups of core trainers in social work with PWDs has reduced the dependence on DRD 
staff members, contributing to extending training capacity to more related parties. Specifically, 
DRD has collaborated with the Society for Nonprofit Organizations (SNPO) in the South to offer a 
Training of Trainers (TOT) courses on social works with PWDs to 20 members. The core trainers 
in turn have given training to social workers.
Reports on the training course showed that learners were provided with further knowledge about 
disabilities, support models for PWDs, crowdsourcing to support PWDs and social works with 
PWDs.
Most of trainees said that after those courses, they were able at least show other people what 
they have learned. More importantly, they could other people understand the knowledge and do 
what needed; and they could become trainers. The trainees grasped what barriers facing PWDs
are, how to communicate effectively with PWDs, how to remove the barriers, make rational 
adjustments and support PWDs based on the community.
Trainees know how to apply learned knowledge to work and life, from different perspectives. 
Some remarkable applications include changing old ways of working by employing new ways of 
thinking and giving support to specific cases. In addition, the learners can share experience with 
their peers at training workshops or give advice to senior leaders.
o “The training course helps me realize that we have still followed old models that are no 
longer suitable. I also realize that disabilities do not make people dependent, but barriers 
from society do. Such barriers make PWDs become helpless in other people’s eyes. When 
we do not understand them, there’s no way for us to know what they really need. Doing 
social work is not doing something that you think is right. This course makes me 
understand that we should do what that can help PWDs become more confident, remove 
barriers for their social inclusion.”
Sharing of a staff member at Ben Tre psychiatric hospital after completing the training course
o “I myself have started changing my ways of thinking and doing. And I have shared learned 
knowledge with my colleagues at Long An psychiatric hospital. The training course is really 
helpful. My colleagues and I have had better understanding of PWDs’ problems and 
needs.”
Sharing of a staff member at Long An psychiatric hospital after completing the training course
5.3. Relevancy in project management and implementation
5.3.1. Succession
The Access For All (AFA) project can be seen as a successor of the Accessibility for Integration 
Project (AIP). AIP has laid the foundation for enhancing awareness of PWDs’ rights and promoting 
the community’s participation in supervising the accessibility of public works.
Many problems in the implementation of AIP remain, such as barriers to PWDs’ social inclusion 
and poor awareness of the community and PWDs themselves about PWDs’ rights. Moreover, 
there are few PWDs’ groups and clubs with limited capacity. PWDs’ voice and image are not strong 
enough to advocate issues at provincial and national levels. Support policies for PWDs have not 
been implemented fully yet; and there is a lack of an effective system to supervise the 
implementation of these policies.
AFA has promoted activities of AIP in terms of form and scope of implementation. The project’s 
scope is expanded to other wards of the districts, other districts of the provinces, and another 
province of Dong Nai. AFA has also aimed at solving problems that are more systematic.
AFA is an upgrade from push for integration to push for equal opportunities.
5.3.2. Relevancy of interventions
The interventions and ways of implementation of the project have met PWDs’ real needs. It’s 
thanks to DRD’s success in involving PWDs and PWDs’ clubs and self-help groups in building the 
project. In the implementation process, the project conducted a survey to identify the needs of 
beneficiary groups.
DRD has not simply implemented the project according to set targets but also paid comprehensive 
attention to local PWDs’ needs. Specifically, in the process, DRD has realized that PWDs lack 
means of transport, funding doing cultivation and animal husbandry or small-scale business. 
That’s why DRD has raised nearly VND1.4 billion to give wheelchairs, three wheelers, artificial
limbs, loans and Covid-19 relief grants to PWDs.
Nevertheless, due to limited resources, the project’s interventions just meet PWDs’ needs exactly, 
not fully.
Table 11. Percentage of surveyees talking about the degrees of response of the project to PWDs’
needs
Binh Dinh Dong Nai Tay Ninh Total
An absolute majority of the needs
met
0.0 9.7 26.2 15.1
A majority of the needs met 13.3 9.7 36.6 24.4
Half of the needs met 27.6 12.9 18.3 20.1
A small part of the needs met 58.2 67.7 18.3 39.8
No needs met 1.0 0.0 0.6 0.6
5.3.3. Involvement of local partners in project management processes
The project has attracted the active involvement of local partners in project management 
processes, in which officials from the Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs sector and People’s 
Committee at all levels play the key role. Total capital and cost estimate of the project are 
provided through agreements and during the process of extending project activities to related
parties in the province, especially the provincial People’s Committee.
The provincial Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) issues and sends specific 
documents and plans to district Office of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (OOLISA) and relevant 
agencies of communes in the scope of the project. Based on issued documents and plans, the 
involved parties will build specific action plans and collaborate with People’s Committee at district 
and commune/ward/townlet levels for implementation.
DOLISA assigns in-charge staff to join DRD staff members in tracking progress and reporting 
results on a scheduled basis or an ad hoc basis if required. The results are fully updated in the 
project MEAL plan and project progress reports.
5.3.4. Mobilizing resources outside the project
Apart from resources from sponsors, DRD, DOLISA and OOLISA of the provinces and districts 
participating in the project have mobilized many other resources to support PWDs. Supports are
diverse, ranging from support for specific cases (artificial limbs, wheelchairs, etc.) to long-term 
(vocational training, loans, etc.) and emergency support (Covid-19 relief).
Table 12. Sources of support outside the project
Forms of support Number of beneficiaries Value (VND)
Grants for livelihood 
development
46 550,000,000 
Covid-19 emergency relief grants 271 270,000,000 
Artificial arm 1 23,000,000 
Artificial leg - 447,000,000 
Wheelchair 10 50,500,000 
Three-wheeler 1 15,000,000 
Total 1,355,500,000 
Here are some opinions expressed at group discussions in Tay Ninh, Binh Dinh and Dong Nai:
o “DRD has connected different sides to give support to PWDs. Specifically, thanks to 
benefactors connected by DRD, members of our club have capital for production and 
cultivation activities, creating greater changes.”
o “The project has helped mobilize resources to provide PWDs with necessary equipment like 
wheelchair, three wheeler, walker, hearing aids, artificial limbs, etc.”
o “Qualified PWDs are helped to apply for loans from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies, 
provincial PWDs funds, etc. PWDs are also enabled to take part in suitable vocational 
training courses.”
5.3.5. Integrating elements into a rights-based development and intervention project
PWDs have taken an active part and played important role in implementation of the project. They 
have joined the project as individuals, through their clubs and self-help groups. PWDs’
involvement is well reflected through in-depth interviews and group discussions, for example:
• Trained in legal provisions and policies dedicated to PWDs, life skills, communication skills, 
teamwork skills, skills for social inclusion, etc.
• Enabled to join DRD staff members in the survey on the accessibility to public works at 
People’s Committee, schools to get suitable designs for PWDs.
• An exchange event for PWDs entitled “One World for All” held to help PWDs become more 
sociable and have a chance to join joyful activities like wheelchair racing, art performances, 
entertainment, and sports activities, etc.
• A survey on PWDs’ families in difficult circumstances conducted to create favorable 
conditions for them to do business.
• Trained in life skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, etc. to make PWDs more self￾confident and self-reliant in life for better social inclusion.
• Enabled to take part in exchange activities of clubs in Da Nang to learn their experience in 
operating the clubs and supporting club members.
• Enabled to join the medical assessment club dedicated to PWDs of the commune and 
monthly meetings of the club to find ways to help PWDs to approach and enjoy support 
policies of the State.
• Enabled to join the supervision team in charge of making feedback reports in an effort to 
make public works more accessible for PWDs.
Table 13. Percentage of surveyees assessing the integration of elements into the project
Very 
good Good Acceptable Not 
good Bad/unfulfilled
Involvement of PWDs in the 
project
31.5 42.0 17.9 1.5 0.3
Rights-based support for PWDs 27.2 46.3 19.8 1.9 0.3
Resource mobilization to meet 
PWDs’ needs (wheelchair, 
funding, scholarship, etc.)
23.1 38.0 21.9 8.3 0.3
Great attention to women and 
gender equality 22.2 48.1 13.9 3.7 0.0
Transparent implementation of 
project activities
29.3 44.4 8.3 3.1 0.3
Interventions of the project with 
no impact on environment 
natural and ecosystem
29.0 45.4 7.7 3.1 0.0
5.4. Satisfaction with the project
Most of the PWDs participating in performance evaluation process are satisfied and very satisfied 
with the project. However, about a quarter of surveyees said that they were neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied with the project, depending on specific cases.
Table 14. Percentage of surveyees expressing satisfaction with the project
Binh Dinh Dong Nai Tay Ninh Total
Very satisfied 9.2 8.1 49.4 29.3
Satisfied 53.1 48.4 31.7 41.4
Normal, it depends 35.7 37.1 14.0 25.0
Dissatisfied 2.0 1.6 0.6 1.2
Very dissatisfied 0.0 4.8 4.3 3.1
5.5. Lessons learned and future directions
Some project activities should be boosted, especially the activities requiring collaboration of 
organizations and bodies concerned. After participatory survey with many stakeholders 
concerned, building of ramps for PWDs is suggested to implement the sooner the better. 
Implementation and expansion of early intervention and inclusive education programs for 
children with disabilities, including children with mental delay, autism, speech delay, etc., should
continue. 
Direction and coordination for implementation of project activities were notsynchronous yet and
resources not properly used to build works accessible for PWDs. Organizations and bodies 
concerned should give advice to provincial People’s Committees so as to timely issue plans and 
projects. They should take the initiative in implementing assigned functions and tasks. In addition, 
collaboration among organizations, unions, NGOs in giving support to PWDs is strongly needed.
The needs of people with disabilities are diverse, including health care, rehabilitation; assistive 
devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics); education, vocational training, employment, loans, skills 
improvement, social participation, advocacy and policy monitoring, therefore, with its resource 
mobilization strengths, DRD should continue promote community-based resource mobilization 
methods with the participation of all stakeholders to be able to comprehensively support the 
needs of people with disabilities. Specifically, it is recommended to find out the needs of clubs 
with disabilities, then analyze the roles and resources of stakeholders and develop a plan for 
cooperation, connection and mobilization of resources to support people with disabilities.
It’s necessary to expand club membership. Each commune should have a PWDs’ club with 
promotion activities about laws, employment and policy approach for PWDs. Besides, PWDs have 
chances to share their feelings and expectations. The more PWDs’ clubs are set up, the better 
PWDs’ voices will be heard and the greater their impacts on policies are, contributing to better 
ensuring PWDs’ rights and interests.
PWDs’ clubs and groups have demand for direct exchange with other localities to learn more 
practical models so as to expand club membership. 
6. Conclusion
This is a project in collaboration with many local departments and spread across 3 provinces. The 
advantage of the project is the realization of the very goal that Vietnam has been pursuing since 
2007. Therefore, the project is strongly supported and synergized by the local mass organizations 
in the overall purpose. The aim of the project is to promote equal opportunity for PWDs by 
building capacity and improving access to public works in Tay Ninh, Dong Nai and Binh Dinh 
provinces. Thanks to the connection between the goals of the government, and the leaders of the 
provinces in the project area and the donors, the project has created a common voice to bring 
activities to people with disabilities in the area. The project also calls for the cooperation of 
leaders of departments and agencies in localities, an effective component in the implementation 
of relevant policies and programs, and in disseminating and disseminating information widely to 
people with disabilities. and community.
After 3 years of efforts, the project raises awareness not only for PWDs but also the community 
thanks to effective communication, training and consulting activities of project staff, volunteers 
of the PWD Club as well as good coordination between departments and organizations.
And it is noteworthy that the project contributes to the creation of a legal entity "raising 
awareness of the law on people with disabilities" which has been achieved not only for the people 
with disabilities themselves but also for the community to understand about the rights of people 
with disabilities through the Law on Disabilities. training and communication in the project area.
The community has a positive view of PWDs. Many PWDs actively participate in clubs, self-help 
groups and social activities. The project has helped create jobs for many PWDs who need to find 
jobs through counseling, vocational training support, job placement or self-implementation of 
farming and livestock models. As a result, many PWDs can find suitable jobs, stabilize their lives 
and avoid the risk of being dependent on family or social assistance.
7. Recommendations
The role of the PWD Club as a bridge organization for DRD with the locality, so DRD should 
consider the club as a strategic partner to jointly deploy activities towards the goal that these 
clubs will move towards establishing a local disability association that can operate activities 
autonomously.
It is necessary to continue developing synchronous disability clubs in the provinces and equipping 
them with capacity so that the clubs themselves will provide support services to club members, 
such as peer counseling, independent living skills, etc. setting up, managing personal finances, 
consulting career guidance, introducing jobs, consulting regimes and policies.
On the local side a commitment to maintain activities as an official organization for the locality, 
to maintain periodic activities such as visits, legal communication, integration and vocational 
training, job…. Otherwise, the sustainability of the results generated (especially counseling 
activities, periodic activities to learn about the needs of people with disabilities, etc.) will be very 
low in the future. Because the positive actions of the PWD Club are currently only recorded as 
initial changes, if not maintained, it will lead to PWDs and the community that may not be 
sustainable.
The locality should have a Committee to Support People with Disabilities under the Provincial 
Committee and have a leader of the Committee as its Head to effectively coordinate the parties 
involved in supporting PWDs. In fact, it is proved that localities have boards for hunger eradication 
and poverty reduction, boards for the advancement of women.... Both have the leadership of the 
Provincial Committee as the head of the department and the relevant Departments/Departments 
as permanent members, the coordination with the Departments and Sectors is very favorable.
For vocational training/job placement models, DRD may consider negotiating with the following 
prudent, but necessary, approach: (1) More active in communication with vocational schools to 
the school's team assesses the actual needs of people with disabilities to organize them to suit 
their needs; (2) In case the school is not ready, it is recommended to conduct a survey through 
the local Departments/PWDs Club for PWDs who need to find evidence of the appropriateness of 
the contents and methods as the basis for the school. to convince schools to have appropriate 
programs.
DRD should consider deploying a model to support livestock/cultivation through revolving credit 
capital so that the elderly/disabled PWDs can have production conditions to improve living 
conditions live for themselves PWDs to integrate more strongly into life.