China's first lady unveils stamp honoring disabled

Peng Liyuan unveils a custom-designed stamp honoring people with disabilities at the United Nations in New York, Sept 27, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

Ban said that the issuing of the stamp highlights the importance of ensuring the full inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society, and symbolizes the UN's enduring commitment to work with and for all social groups for a better future.

He expressed hope for stronger collaboration among governments, the UN, civil society, the private sector and people with disabilities and their organizations.

"I commend once again our organizers for hosting this event, and I hope our partnership will further advance inclusive and sustainable societies and development for all," said Ban.

China' State Council, or Cabinet, adopted a comprehensive mandate that provides guidance on improving the livelihood of people with disabilities, so that by 2020 they can enter into a moderately prosperous society with their Chinese peers, said Zhang Haidi, chairperson of the CDPF, adding that the document will play an important role in improving the life of 85 million Chinese with disabilities.

Zhang said this month that China's State Council adopted a plan to regularly subsidize the most severely disabled people and those at the poverty level.

She noted that college entrance examinations are more accessible for examinees with disabilities. Blind examinees have their exam papers in braille, and examinees without upper limbs can have an extra 30 to 40 minutes to finish their papers. This year, because of those measures, more than 3,000 young people with disabilities have been enrolled in universities, she said.

The chairwoman noted that CDPF established the China Research Center for Children with Autism, and that guide dogs are permitted into public facilities and vehicles.

"In addition, CDPF conducted a national in-house survey on basic data for people with disabilities. By the end of last year, the survey had already collected data from almost 30 million people with disabilities. I believe that the survey is a great contribution to the global development of the cause of people with disabilities, said Zhang.