Association of Parents of Intellectually Disabled condemns budget cuts

The Association of Parents of Intellectually Disabled has issued a formal condemnation following legislative budget cuts that impact sheltered workshops. The Legislative Yuan recently passed a motion to reduce and freeze 30 million TWD from the Presidential Office's state affairs expenses.

This decision resulted in the cancellation of an order for approximately 15,000 Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes intended for purchase from 37 sheltered workshops across Taiwan. The association criticized legislator Weng Hsiao-ling and other lawmakers, stating that while government oversight is necessary, it should follow the principle of proportionality and not use vulnerable populations as political bargaining chips.

The association emphasized that these budget cuts affect more than just holiday orders; they impact the ability of people with disabilities to participate in society through labor and maintain stable employment. They called for systemic reforms to replace one-time seasonal orders with stable, year-round, and market-based employment opportunities.