Sunday marks the 26th International Day of Persons with Disabilities. How has the life of people with disabilities changed in China since the day was proclaimed in 1992?

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), believes that over the past three decades, China has made enormous progress for people with disabilities in terms of rehabilitation, education, employment, poverty relief, culture and sports.

Considered as a role model of persistence and perseverance, Zhang became a household name in 1983. She was unable to attend school as a result of social prejudice against disabled people, but that did not stop her from learning and making it all the way to university level. 

Because of her own experience, Zhang is very sympathetic to the unfavorable situations people with disabilities could face.

"Many schools back then refused to enroll disabled children. I still remember the time my mother carried me on her back to a local school. We went there for an opportunity to receive education. But what my mom and I heard was a reply saying 'our school doesn't enroll disabled children.' They didn’t use the word 'disabled' but 'crippled' instead. The experience traumatized my heart and dignity," Zhang told CGTN.

Now the situation has changed. There are people like Zhang who are dedicated to promoting cultural and sports development for disabled people. 

Achievements have been made by Chinese athletes with physical disabilities, who have reached the top of the medal tally time and again in terms of the total number of medals and gold medals.

"When I was a child, I had no idea about rehabilitation. But now, rehabilitation centers are everywhere in China, covering all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Some of them are equipped with top-notch facilities," Zhang continued. 

"Many of the disabled people, especially children, have received timely treatment. For example most deaf children are equipped with hearing aids, while some of them have cochlear implants. All of this prepares them to better integrate into society," she added.

Over the decades, organizations and federations have been established, such as the CDPF. They aim to promote full participation of people with disability in society, and try to ensure they can share the material and cultural achievements of their community.