Uiwang City DreamStart Implements 'Cultural Connection Program for Children with and without Disabilities'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] On the 16th, Uiwang City operated a DreamStart cultural connection program at 'Cheonggye Ranch' located in Yongin City, where children with and without disabilities participated together.

The program was conducted in connection with the Shareable Project to foster a healthy peer play culture in which all children in the local community naturally fit together without prejudice against disability. The Shareable Project is a program run by a disability family support center that supports individuals with developmental disabilities in living together with their neighbors in the community without isolation.

A total of 16 people, including 8 children with and without disabilities and their guardians, participated in the program. At Cheonggye Ranch, they engaged in various experiential activities such as cheese making, milking, feeding cattle, and riding tractors, as well as viewing animals, naturally building familiarity with one another.

A city official stated, "For all children, regardless of disability status, to grow as healthy and happy members of society, warm interest and support from the local community are necessary," and added, "We plan to continue expanding various programs so that DreamStart children can grow in a healthy and vibrant manner."

The DreamStart cultural connection program for children with and without disabilities will be operated over a total of four sessions to allow children to meet regularly and build familiarity, with two events scheduled to take place in January next year.