On January 21, 2026, the Thuy An Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities launched the activity “Visiting disadvantaged families of children with disabilities.” This activity is part of Component 4 of the initiative “Supporting families of children with disabilities to care for their children at home,” a global initiative by the International Social Service (ISS), implemented in collaboration with the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), the Thuy An Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, and the SPOON organization.
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Key activities under Component 4
The main activities include:
- Home visits to disadvantaged families: Providing gifts and guiding parents on caregiving techniques, rehabilitation exercises, play-based learning, and communication with children at home.
- Parent club activities at Thuy An Centre: Grouping parents of children with similar types of disabilities into small groups to practice learned knowledge and apply it to home-based care. These sessions also create opportunities for families to connect, exchange experiences, and support one another in overcoming challenges.
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During the initial visits, the team supported two families with children under three years old diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental delays. These families face significant economic hardship and limited access to caregiving resources. In addition to providing essential support items, the team guided parents on caregiving and rehabilitation techniques, including hand-over-hand support methods. Parents were also encouraged to join upcoming parent club activities to continue receiving technical guidance and peer support.
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The home visits provided valuable insights into the real-life challenges faced by families. One particularly difficult case involved a single mother living with her two children, temporarily residing in the Thuy An Centre’s housing area to facilitate caregiving. Recognizing the family’s financial hardship and limited resources, the team leader proposed to the Centre’s Board of Directors that additional financial support be considered to assist with accommodation costs.
Following the home visits, the next planned activity is the organization of small group sessions for parents facing similar challenges. These sessions aim to create a safe and supportive environment where families can share experiences, learn practical skills, and strengthen mutual support networks. Detailed information about these activities will be shared in upcoming updates.
Below is a heartfelt message shared by a parent after the home visit:
“Thank you to the staff of the Thuy An Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities and the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD) for visiting and guiding my child, and for teaching me exercises so I can continue practicing with my child at home. Thank you for the meaningful gifts. Our family sincerely wishes you good health, peace, and continued dedication in supporting children with developmental delays—as second parents accompanying us on this difficult journey.” (January 21, 2026)