Reports call for forging equitable, barrier-free society for disabled

More efforts have been urged to ensure equitable access to public services, infrastructures, social welfare and employment for people with disabilities, according to newly-released reports.

Compiled by a research institute for the development of the disabled under the Renmin University of China, the reports prescribe major tasks for achieving all-round development of people with disabilities and building a more equitable and inclusive society for such people during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and beyond.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), China has strengthened its basic public service system for the disabled in terms of coverage, quality and efficiency, the reports noted, adding that the social security and public service systems have continued to function smoothly despite the impact of COVID-19.

To improve the overall well-being of people with disabilities, the reports called for efforts to increase their benefits from social welfare, insurance and subsidies, expand the medical reimbursement system to cover more health services for disabled patients and enable more students with disabilities to study in regular schools.

The reports also stressed adopting family and community-based assistance and healthcare policies, launch barrier-free housing and renovation projects in urban and rural areas, and barrier-free telecom and cultural programs for the disabled.

In the next five years and beyond, China should strive to create a more equitable working environment where the enthusiasm and creativity of the disabled can be realized to the fullest, the reports noted.