There are 83 million disabled people in China. Their country has neglected them for many years, with disability rights, including accessibility, nearly non-existent in most areas. Now, it’s different.

Chinese “ADA”
In January, 2010, the Chinese government enacted regulations for barrier-free access for people in wheelchairs at public facilities. The government has also made a commitment for career development for disabled individuals.

Disabled Chinese Woman for Disability Rights
It all began with one woman in a wheelchair: Li Nan, who was a renowned dancer before she became an amputee as the result of a traffic accident in 2002. When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a visit to Li’s home, she told him that disabled people in their country deserved greater support from the government in terms of employment and social services.

Only one month later, the premier took her advice and new programs upholding disability rights were established.

Disabled Driving in China
Of the 83 million disabled people in China, 28 million have paralyzed limbs. The Chinese government, for the first time, has also established regulations permitting paralyzed individuals to obtain driver’s licenses.

The new disability rights regulation for the road took effect in April 2010. In order to qualify for a driver’s license, people with paralyzed limbs must have an adapted car, complete a three-month training course, and undergo a physical exam. The cars driven by paralyzed drivers must have a sticker that informs other drivers of their disability.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Drivers
Another first in China is that hearing-impaired people can be granted driver’s licenses if they can pass a hearing test when wearing a hearing aid.

Photo shows Zhang Haidi, chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and paralyzed from the chest down, and also among the first to obtain a driver’s license in China.