Yeongam County has launched a customized sunshade installation project to support the safe mobility of disabled individuals using electric mobility aids during the ongoing heatwave.
On July 30, Yeongam County conducted a volunteer initiative to install sunshades for electric mobility aid users at the Yeongam County Community Center, the county announced on July 31.
This project was selected for funding through a public competition by the Korea Central Volunteer Center, receiving 100% government support. It aims to prevent heat-related illnesses among disabled individuals who are often exposed to high temperatures for extended periods and to create a safer mobility environment.
Individuals with physical and neurological disabilities using electric mobility aids often cannot use umbrellas or parasols while operating their devices, leaving them vulnerable to direct sunlight.
In response, Yeongam County paired ten members of the Yeongam Women’s Volunteer Association, a national leader in K-volunteering, with ten disabled individuals for one-on-one assistance in assembling and installing customized sunshades equipped with UV protection and waterproof features.
Additionally, the county provided safety training on heatwave response. The training included guidance on adequate hydration, avoiding outdoor activities during peak sun hours (12 PM to 5 PM), and parking mobility aids in shaded areas to prevent battery overheating, thereby raising safety awareness.
Yeongam County anticipates that this initiative will not only enhance mobility for disabled individuals but also help prevent health issues related to summer heat.
Yeongam County Mayor Woo Seung-hee stated, "I hope this sunshade will provide a reliable shelter for disabled individuals who cannot stop moving even in the heat, aiding their safe mobility. We will continue to provide meticulous support through public projects and volunteer efforts to ensure that vulnerable groups, including the disabled, can safely maintain their daily lives during heatwaves."
Meanwhile, Yeongam County plans to expand its community-based safety support initiatives for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, in response to the increasing number of heatwave days due to climate change, and will continue to implement tailored welfare services in collaboration with volunteer organizations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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