Beijing ramps up community service for disabled population

Source: Xinhua | 09-04-2008 09:16

BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Paralympic Games host city Beijing has ramped up community services for its disabled population to improve the quality of their lives, a city official said.

Athletes have their meals in the dining hall of the Paralympic  village in Beijing, China, Aug. 30, 2008. The Paralympic village  officially opened to athletes from all over the world on Saturday  for the Beijing Paralympic Games. (Xinhua/Li Wen)

More than 150 community service centers have been built, totaling 45,814 square meters, to benefit more than 45,000 people with impairment in the city, said Zhao Chunluan, Chief Director of the Beijing Disabled Persons' Federation.

The centers are established to provide services like rehabilitation, education, employment counseling, rights protection and improve their cultural lives.

"The facilities prepare them for independent living and help them to develop careers to support themselves," Zhao said.