Starting from zero
Vietnam’s Autism Projects (VAPs) - An ecosystem, innovative economic model for Vietnamese autistic people founded by Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung since 2017, is considered a pioneering project for autistic people.
Unlike traditional vocational training institutions, VAPs do not operate on a closed chain but create conditions for students to both learn the profession and directly participate in daily work. Here, each person takes on a suitable position such as serving, cooking, mixing, selling or library management,...
Coming from the economic field and having many years of research on autistic children, Mr. Trung has realized his desire to help them integrate into the community and affirm their self-worth. He hopes that the students at Vietnam’s Autism Projects can master the skills like a normal human resource.
The staff here all start from scratch, and it usually takes many years for an autistic person to get used to and become proficient in the job. Each person is directly trained by Mr. Trung in the form of 1-1, persistently guiding from the smallest skills.
Behind seemingly ordinary jobs is a whole process of repeating efforts, learning how to communicate, introduce themselves and serve customers, so that each person gradually becomes more confident and finds their own value.
After a long time attached to a modest 40m2 room, 5 months ago, the VAPs project put on a new coat. A larger space of 100m2 (lane 25/198 Thai Ha, Hanoi) allows the project to expand into a diverse ecosystem: from restaurants, laundry, garden coffee shops, to photo studios, happy apartments and even conference rooms. The methodical investment helps the number of visitors to be larger, attracting both international tourists to experience.
But the biggest change is not in the area, but in the maturity of the special staff. The application of digital technology such as fingerprint locks has given them autonomy. No longer passive waiting, you come early, open the door yourself and prepare for the shift.
Towards a sustainable future
Mr. Trung said that at the present time, his project does not receive any funding or charitable donations. All income of the staff is paid from the profit generated during operation, calculated daily and directly linked to sales.
A new point of the model is not hanging a sign "model of autistic people". According to Mr. Trung, labeling sometimes inadvertently creates distance, causing this place to be perceived as a project for vulnerable people. What he aims for is equal recognition - where you are recognized through abilities, not circumstances.
Building a diverse space ecosystem not only provides livelihoods but also opens the door to connecting autistic people with the world. In the near future, VAPs is expected to extend its operating hours from 6:30 am to serve coffee sales, along with dining and experience services lasting until 11 pm.
In particular, the new model will create conditions for parents to come to accompany, directly guide and help their children in the process of growing up at work.
Respect, sharing and fair treatment from society will be a solid foundation for autistic people to confidently step on the path of integration, not as "helpers" but as "contributers" making common life more sustainable and humane.
