This Day, That Year

Editor’s Note: This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy.

In 2006, China had 83 million people with disabilities, according to the census that year, an increase of 31 million over the 1987 census.

By 2010, the disabled population was estimated at 85 million, according to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation.

To help the group play a bigger role in society, authorities have taken a series of measures in employment, education, healthcare and barrier-free infrastructure.

After investing heavily in the 2008 Paralympics, much has been done to bring their plight into the public eye.

A recent survey by the federation showed more than 100 cities have built barrierfree facilities.

In Beijing, the municipal government has invested tens of millions of yuan in these facilities in tourist attractions, making life easier for the disabled visitors.

Access to Beijing’s most famous section of the Great Wall was made easier with two lifts and a wheelchair ramp, installed ahead of the 2008 Paralympics.

Barrier-free buses and taxis are also available in the city. Braille signboards and route maps have also been placed to meet the needs of the visually impaired. Wheel- chair facilities have been installed at subway stations.

In 2012, the central government implemented a regulation to guarantee construction of barrier-free public facilities.