The chief of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) has hailed the nation's hosting of the Asian Para Games and said it was a reflection of China's hard work in that area.

"We have just had a successful Asian Games and now China will host the first Asian Para Games," said Wang Naikun, executive vice-president of the CDPF.

"It is another great eff ort by the Chinese government in its work for disabled persons. Athletes and offi cials from other countries and regions will have a chance to see our support and work for the disabled."

The Asian Para Games, which take place from Dec 12-19, will feature about 7,700 athletes and officials from all 41 Asian Paralympic Committee members and will serve as a platform to show how China is progressing in developments for disabled people.

The Chinese government implemented the Work Program for Persons with Disabilities during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010).

Comprehensive measures have been taken in terms of getting disabled persons into social security systems and also expanding service programs for them.

According to a 2010 nationwide survey conducted by the CDPF and China Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, the living conditions of disabled people have improved dramatically - the proportion of them able to live "well-off lives" has risen to 57.4 percent, the largest improvement in recent years.

"Over the past five years, we have released a number of policies, rules and regulations in regards to developmental work for the disabled," Wang said.

"We were also one of the first member countries to sign the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007. To realize all rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities, the Chinese government has adopted a series of legislative and administrative measures to implement the rules from the convention."

From 2006 to 2010, investment from the central government reached 5.71 billion yuan (US$859 million), 2.75 times more than that during the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-2005). Special funding was allocated to support major projects such as "Rescue and Rehabilitation for Poor Children with Disabilities" and "Sun Shines Homes Plan".

"In 2009 alone, 6.2 million disabled persons received rehabilitation treatment thanks to these projects," said Wang. "Such a big investment has brought hope to massive number of families and children."

Wang said one of China's priorities now was to increase investment in education for the disabled.

In 2008, China started the "Project of Construction of Special Education Schools" in middle and western China. The project is expected to invest 5.45 billion yuan to build or renovate 1,160 special education schools. Th ree hundred have already been completed.

To help them to live a better life after graduation, 3,043 employment service organizations have been established, with 4.96 million disabled persons receiving vocational education and training opportunities. In urban areas, 4.32 million have been employed while 17.37 million in rural areas have seen their income rise thanks to the employment service.

The nation also increased funding to construct special facilities for disabled people. The program has been launched in 100 cities and has seen the improvement of services and accessibility for disabled persons in hospitals, banks, bus stations, shopping areas and other public places.

As the host of Asian Para Games, Guangzhou has taken extra efforts to not only make the event a success, but also set a good example for other cities to follow.

However, due to the country's large number of the disabled, and to unbalanced development, Wang said more work still need to be done.

"We have 83 million disabled persons and 70 percent to 80 percent of them live in rural areas. Many of these people are still living diffi cult lives."

(China Daily December 11, 2010)