China Disabled Children: Giving children with disabilities a chance

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According to a national survey, China is home to about 1.7 million disabled children aged six or younger. These children suffer from a range of disabilities, from problems with their eyesight, hearing, and lingual abilities, to ailments like autism. The country is working hard to give these kids a chance at life. CGTN's Xing Ruinan has more.

Qianqian is eight years old and she has autism. She goes to a normal school in Central China's Hunan Province , together with other kids.

QIANQIAN "I sang and danced with my friends. I'm so happy."

Teachers at Qianqian's school developed individualized educational plans for her. They arranged learning partners for Qianqian, and encouraged her to read poems on a public stage.

QIANQIAN'S MOTHER "She can express her feelings and needs now. When it comes to taking care of herself, she can handle many things on her own."

In 2017, the Chinese government released long-awaited regulations to encourage mainstream education for students with disabilities.

More than 95 percent of China's disabled children and teenagers will receive compulsory education by 2020.

As another effort to help disabled children, a new rehabilitation system will be put into operation across the country on October 1st.

Jia Yong, vice president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, says most of the disabled children can significantly improve the capabilities they have lost through rehabilitation.

JIA YONG, VICE PRESIDENT CHINA DISABLED PERSONS' FEDERATION "Childhood is the best time to recover. Rehabilitation for the children can reduce psychological and financial burdens for their families. The system focuses on reducing dysfunction and aims to enhance their social participation."

Tian Rongrong is a volunteer from the mining area of Hebei Province in Central China. She regularly goes to a special education school with donations and help.

TIAN RONGRONG VOLUNTEER "For seven years, we asked for nothing but kept trying to help these children. We just want people to know that it's a big world, and there are children like them in our society. We need to love them and care for them. They deserve to be growing up happily and in good health."

While China has taken modest steps toward respecting the rights of children with disabilities, the care these kids receive can always improve. XING RUINAN, CGTN.