전북특별자치도가 장애인을 위한 소통 중심 행정과 공공일자리 확대를 통해 실질적인 변화를 이끌고 있다.

도는 과거 잦았던 장애인 관련 민원과 갈등을 줄이기 위해 도지사 간담회, 현장행정, 수어공연, 상담실 운영 등 소통 행정을 강화해 민원 갈등을 대폭 감소시켰다. 특히 2025년에는 장애인 공공일자리를 전년보다 189명 늘린 2,086명으로 확대하며 소득보장과 자립 지원에 나섰다.

중증장애인생산품 구매 실적도 2.11%로 전국 광역지자체 중 1위를 기록했으며, 도청 내 편의점 입점과 고향사랑기부제 답례품 선정 등을 통해 판로 확대와 자립 기반 강화에도 기여했다.

올해 3월에는 도청 1층에 장애인 전용 상담실을 개소해 민원 접근성과 편의를 높였고, 수어공연과 장애인의 날 기획공연은 내부 인식 개선에도 긍정적인 영향을 주고 있다.

공공일자리 예산은 278억 원으로 역대 최대 규모이며, 전일제·시간제·복지형·특화형 등 다양한 형태의 맞춤형 일자리를 제공하고 있다. 특히 최중증 장애인 대상 일자리도 확대됐다.

도는 이와 함께 전주 일원 8만5천㎡ 부지에 2,708억 원 규모의 직업·치유·복지 통합 거점 조성 메가프로젝트도 추진 중이다.

양수미 전북자치도 장애인복지정책과장은 “장애인 당사자와의 지속적인 소통이 변화를 이끌었다”며 “앞으로도 민관 협력을 통해 자립과 사회통합을 지원하겠다”고 밝혔다.

North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province is leading substantial changes through communication-centered administration for people with disabilities and the expansion of public jobs.

To reduce past complaints and conflicts related to people with disabilities, the province strengthened communication administration through meetings between the governor and people with disabilities, on-site administration, sign language performances, and operating counseling rooms, significantly reducing complaints and conflicts. In particular, in 2025, the province increased public jobs for people with disabilities by 189 from the previous year, reaching 2,086, to support income security and independence.

The purchase of products made by severely disabled individuals also recorded the highest rate of 2.11% among metropolitan cities and provinces nationwide, contributing to expanding markets and strengthening the foundation for independence through initiatives like convenience store placements in the provincial office and selecting hometown love donation gifts.

In March of this year, a dedicated counseling room for people with disabilities was opened on the first floor of the provincial office to enhance accessibility and convenience for complaints, while sign language performances and planned performances for Disability Day have had a positive impact on internal awareness improvement.

The budget for public jobs is 27.8 billion won, the largest ever, providing various tailored job types such as full-time, part-time, welfare-based, and specialized jobs. In particular, job opportunities for severely disabled individuals have also expanded.

Furthermore, the province is also pushing forward with a mega-project to create a 2,708 billion won integrated hub for jobs, healing, and welfare on an 85,000 square meter site in Jeonju.

Yang Soo-mi, head of the North Jeolla Province Disability Welfare Policy Department, stated, "Continuous communication with people with disabilities has led to change," and expressed, "We will continue to support independence and social integration through public-private cooperation."