1,311 people with disabilities in Qingdao obtained jobs in 2009 while another 100 started their own businesses with the help of local authorities, according to the director of the Disabled Federation of Qingdao.

The federation’s efforts last year included preferential policies, job recruitment fairs, strengthening education and training, and improving follow-up services. As a result, the employment rate last year for people with disabilities increased by 11 percent, compared with 2008. Moreover, 117 million yuan in employment security funds for the special group was raised, increasing 17 percent year-on-year.

The federation also encouraged people with disabilities to start their own businesses in fields ranging from blind person massage enterprises, small wares distribution centers, catering services and agricultural machinery maintenance to Internet-based businesses and agro-industry firms. These efforts let to the start of more than 100 successful businesses.

The federation also set up a “one-to-one” support plan for 70 undergraduates with disabilities to help them prepare for future careers.

Editor Li Jing

By Wang Xiantao (China Daily Shandong Bureau)