China is to establish a special federation to foster talented disabled artists and writers, Deng Pufang, chairman of the China Disabled Persons Federation (CDPF), said on Wednesday.

Deng, also a vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told the fifth National Congress of the CDPF that the organization would endeavor to develop cultural, artistic and sporting undertakings for the disabled, including publications for the blind.

Presenting a report on behalf of the fourth presidium of the CDPF, he outlined a series of major programs including preparations for a special exhibition hall for the disabled at the 2010 Shanghai Expo, and regular sports events involving up to 15 percent of China's disabled population.

China would also hold the 2010 Asian Sports Games for the Disabled.

Government figures show China had 82.96 million disabled people, 6.34 percent of the total population, in 2006.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2008)