Institute for Social Development Studies

• Research

Starting from 2007, the Institute has inquired into a new area of research and advocacy on disability. With a grant from The Ford Foundation, ISDS undertook the first large scale survey on disability in Vietnam at high prevalence provinces. Among groups of people with disability (PWDs), people whose disabilities were likely caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin, were particularly concerned. The survey shows strong evidence of social stigma and discrimination against PWDs which is the major obstacle to their integration into the mainstream of society, thus worsening their already disadvantaged socioeconomic status.

As a follow-up, from 2008, ISDS has initiated a new project, funded by The Ford Foundation, aiming at advocacy and building capacity for organizations in their work to reduce S&D against PWDs. For this effort, the Institute collaborates with the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the country’s largest mass organization, and the Central Commission of Education and Communication of the Vietnam Communist Party.