The conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), including Dr. Ta Ngoc Tri – Deputy Director General of the Department of General Education, Standing Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Disadvantaged Children; Dr. Nguyen Duc Huu – Former Acting Director General of the Department of Primary Education; along with leaders and specialists from various Departments and Agencies under MOET.
The event also had the honor of welcoming representatives from international organizations such as UNICEF Vietnam and the Danish Association of the Deaf, as well as delegates from diplomatic missions and international enterprises. The program also saw the participation of professors and scientists from numerous universities and educational organizations in Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States.
From domestic research institutes and colleges, the conference recorded the presence of leading experts in the field of Special Education, representatives from Departments of Education and Training, inclusive and specialized educational institutions, and associations for persons with disabilities nationwide.
Representing Hanoi National University of Education were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Son – President of the University, Chairman of the Conference Steering Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Lam – President of the School of Child Development Sciences; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Minh Lam – Head of the Science and Technology Office; along with representatives from functional units, faculties, and departments of the University.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Son – President of Hanoi National University of Education, affirmed the University’s pioneering tradition in training and research within Special Education. He emphasized that scientific research not only enhances training quality but also provides an academic foundation for educational policymaking, especially following the establishment of the School of Child Development Sciences – a unit tasked with approaching child development in a comprehensive and modern manner.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Son – President of Hanoi National University of Education delivering his speech
Representing the Ministry of Education and Training, Dr. Ta Ngoc Tri - Deputy Director General of the Department of General Education, commended the significance of the conference as the education sector implements Politburo Resolution No. 71 on breakthrough developments in education and training. Dr. Tri emphasized that expanding compulsory and universal education in the coming period requires profound attention to students with disabilities who face significant barriers in language and communication—essential human competencies for the 21st century.
Dr. Ta Ngoc Tri – Deputy Director General of the Department of General Education, Standing Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Disadvantaged Children delivering his adress
Ms. Tara O’Connell, Chief of Education at UNICEF Vietnam, asserted that communication is a prerequisite for children to learn, connect, and participate in school life. She noted that without appropriate support such as sign language, visual tools, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology, the risk of "silent exclusion" increases, even if the child is physically present in the classroom. UNICEF emphasized its commitment to accompanying Vietnam in implementing Resolution 71 and Decision 403 regarding the expansion of Support Centers for the Development of Inclusive Education.
Ms. Tara O’Connell, Chief of Education at UNICEF Vietnam delivering her speech
In the keynote report, Dr. Do Thi Thao – Dean of the Faculty of Special Education, provided a profound analysis of the fundamental role of language and communication for children with disabilities throughout their development. Dr. Thao pointed out that children with autism, hearing impairments, visual impairments, intellectual disabilities, or ADHD face unique communication challenges that directly impact their academic outcomes and socio-emotional lives. The report outlined four main research orientations: analyzing communication characteristics by disability type; developing evidence-based intervention models; applying digital technology; and strengthening the roles of families and communities in supporting children.
Dr. Do Thi Thao – Dean of the Faculty of Special Education present her report
The conference this year gathered more than 50 scientific works from researchers in Vietnam, Japan, the USA, Australia, Malaysia, and beyond, reflecting the diversity, depth, and interdisciplinary nature of research in language and communication intervention. The discussion sessions introduced numerous models, tools, and solutions with practical value, contributing to expanding opportunities for children with disabilities in inclusive environments.
The event was not only academically significant but also demonstrated a strong commitment to a humanistic, equitable, and inclusive education system—where every child, regardless of their differences, is provided with the conditions to learn, express themselves, and reach their full potential.
Below are some photos from the conference:
