A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of M aster of Science in Regional and Rural Development Planning

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008

In recent years, the development of self-help groups of PWDs might playa major role in reducing their isolation and improving their participation in community life because they can provide express views on priorities a voice of their own, identify needs, evaluate services, and advocate change and public awareness. Moreover, self-help groups can educate PWDs about their rights and opportunities. The main objective of this research is to prove the effectiveness of a self-help group by evaluating the social and economic benefits and to examine factors contributing to successes of the project's activities of a pilot project of the physically disabled in Mekong Delta, Viet Nam. The study consisted of a questionnaire survey, case studies from individual disabled trainees who were trained in the Nhip Cau Project, and key informants interviews (local government officers and staff) to collect data. The type of this research will be an evaluation research type based on a combination of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The research findings showed that three years after the project ended; there were the positive changes in terms of social and economic aspects. In other words, participation in the project brought a lot of benefits of trainees' lives, especially for women with disabilities. In fact, when PWDs can become independent, their roles will be increased particular in decision-making such as education, livelihood, sports, relaxation, and other aspects in the community because economic change brings social change. In addition, the problems and prospects were identified based on the feedback of the clients on the training project. Recommendations were suggested for further improvement of future projects that can close the aim of legislation and the actual programs implemented in order to enhance the quality of life of PWDs in many aspects particular in employment. Moreover, how to apply many policies/legal documents on employment in actually should be considered for long»term purpose