The Lotte Scholarship Foundation and the Lotte Welfare Foundation are providing customized assistive devices worth 300 million won to 144 individuals with severe brain and physical disabilities.
On August 4, the Lotte Foundation held the '2026 Lotte Foundation Assistive Device Delivery Ceremony' at the Irum Center in Yeouido, Seoul. This year, the recipients include 97 adults and 47 children and adolescents.
The support includes 57 types of assistive devices across four areas essential for daily life: mobility, seating, standing, and walking. Each recipient will receive devices valued at approximately 2.5 million won, tailored to their level of disability, physical capabilities, and living environment. After delivery, experts will visit homes to provide training on how to use the devices and offer free follow-up support for two years.
The foundation selected the recipients in collaboration with 17 assistive device centers and welfare centers for the disabled across the country, including the Seoul Northeast Assistive Device Center under the Korean Cerebral Palsy Welfare Association.
A notable aspect of this year's initiative is the expanded support for adults. Last year, 142 individuals under the age of 34 received 56 types of assistive devices, but this year, the age limit has been raised to 45, increasing the number of recipients and types of devices to 144 and 57, respectively. This change aims to address the gap in support for assistive devices that often occurs after individuals reach adulthood.
The 'Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Assistive Device Support Project' was launched in 2017 to assist individuals with severe brain and physical disabilities in mobility and daily living, while also alleviating the caregiving burden on families. To date, the foundation has provided assistive devices worth approximately 2.3 billion won to 1,553 individuals.
Satisfaction with the program has been high. A follow-up survey conducted last year among recipients revealed an overall satisfaction score of 4.51 out of 5. Additionally, 94.1% of respondents reported a reduction in daily living difficulties after using the assistive devices.
The delivery ceremony was attended by Jang Hye-seon, Chairperson of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation, Jo Han-bong, Chairperson of the Lotte Welfare Foundation, and Hwang Jeong-hee, Secretary General of the Korean Cerebral Palsy Welfare Association.
Chairperson Jang stated, “As children grow, parents age, and the caregiving burden increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to receive support once children become adults. This year, we have increased the proportion of adult recipients and expanded the support age to 45.” She added, “I have heard that many individuals are unaware of such programs and miss the opportunity to apply, which is very upsetting. Even if it is a small spark, the foundation will continue to work hard on this project, and I hope you do not give up.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.