KODDI was founded in 1989 under the name of "the Korea Sports Association for the Disabled (KOSAD)" as a follow-up to the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games. Under the name KOSAD, it contributed to promoting the development of sports, culture & arts and social welfare for persons with disabilities. With the revision of the Act of Welfare for the Disabled in 2008, then, the institution was renamed the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute (KODDI), conducting policy research and evaluation, and also projects and programmes for policy development and promotion of welfare for persons with disabilities.

As a specialized institution in disability policies, KODDI will push forward its endeavors with the focus on policy research & development as the basis for formulating welfare policies which are necessary and can be practically helpful for persons with disabilities.

In addition, we will facilitate independent living for persons with severe disabilities by developing opportunities and forms of jobs by types of disabilities. By expanding convenience facilities, improving residential environments, and developing assistive device delivery systems for persons with disabilities, we will continue to eliminate physical barriers and obstacles still remaining in our society, enabling more people with disabilities to live as members of the society.

I promise that all our staff members will make ceaseless efforts to bear precious fruits so that persons with disabilities can live happy, healthy and fulfilling life.

I am also equally convinced that it is your interest and support that will make it possible.

Thank you very much.

President of KODDI, Yong-chan Byun