While discussing the bill in Hanoi on November 24, deputies said the issuance is to legalise socio-political, economic and cultural relations and policies for the disabled, creating conditions for them to get access to all basic services and enjoy the fruits of social development.

The bill, they said, demonstrates the humanitarianism of the Vietnamese state in line with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Vietnam has previously signed. They quoted statistics showing that the number of disabled persons in Vietnam will remain steady in the coming years as a result of environmental pollution, toxic chemicals sprayed by the US army during the past war, traffic and labour accidents, and natural disasters.

Several deputies said it is necessary to classify disabled people according to grades of disability to help local administrations devise appropriate policies. However, they proposed closely monitoring the classification process to prevent opportunists from capitalising on policy loopholes.

Other deputies proposed State incentives, such as tax reductions and easier access to bank loans, for agencies and businesses that employ disabled persons.  

They said the State should pay more attention to building houses, creating jobs and developing appropriate public transportation for disabled people, pointing out that there are few jobs for the disabled in the public sector.