Young Vietnamese disabled cope in Ho Chi Minh City

Young Vietnamese disabled cope in Ho Chi Minh City

"People look at us like aliens," Lam said. "Or they ignore us because they feel that we can't do anything."

It also pointed out that Agent Orange victims born with birth defects are isolated.

"Having a comprehensive law in place will help these individuals integrate into society," said Tran Van Ca, president of the Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped, a nongovernmental organization in McLean, Va.

The new legislation, which is scheduled to be implemented next year, requires equal access to education, health care, public transportation, and cultural and sporting events, and mandates state-sponsored rehabilitation and vocational programs.

A 2009 census showed that Vietnam has an estimated 12 million disabled residents, many of whom suffer daily discrimination.