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This research explores the social construction of disability in policies and practices through the daily experiences of children with disabilities (CWD) in Vietnam in the specific contexts of family, school and community. The analysis draws on theoretical frameworks of social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, and ethnomethodology, and utilises survey methods of interviews and observation. The research findings demonstrate that the greatest difficulties which CWD face are the inaccessibility of the physical environment, public buildings, learning support facilities and chances to play with other children. Their social inclusion is not comprehensive as there is a lack of extra facilities and social supports for their social participation. As a result, their inclusion is confined to their particular location. CWD rely on their own efforts and adapt themselves to their social circumstances rather than making requests for social and policy changes.

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Dr Tran Van KHAM is working in Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities. He got the PhD Degree in Social Work and Social Policy from University of South Australia in 2013. His main research publications are on community development, people with disabilities, social inclusion, social work theory and practice in Vietnam.

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