Campaign aims to give disabled people dignity, independence

Rural revival

Access to communal facilities is poorest in the countryside, even though 70 percent of disabled people live in the vast rural areas. Awareness of the need for suitable access and investment related to the issue are far lower than in urban areas, but experts said introducing accessible facilities to rural areas will require more than simply raising living standards and boosting people's self-respect.

Renovations and home improvements help to free rural caregivers from constantly attending to family members left immobile by low levels of access, which is important at a time when the country is working to eradicate extreme poverty and revitalize the rural areas, according to Sun Yiping, deputy director of the Institute of Accessibility Development affiliated to Tsinghua University in Beijing.

"An estimated 40 percent of the impoverished population is disabled to varying degrees," he said, adding that the removal of barriers would help disabled people to get out of their homes and make a living.

"People in rural areas need practical, rather than beautiful utensils. That's advantageous for those on poor incomes because it helps to keep prices low."
But he also noted the looming difficulties for renovation work in isolated areas.

"Many people－villagers and local officials－do not regard the provision of access as important, which could hurt enthusiasm for the task in the first place," he said.

"Circumstances in rural areas are often more complex than in cities, especially in mountainous or arable regions, and wise heads are needed among local officials to make the most of the capital."Nie, the media professional, stressed the importance of promoting awareness in both rural and urban areas, and said authorities should not only ensure access to public buildings and other amenities and facilities, but also educate more people about their correct use.

"Laws and regulations should be formulated to ensure such facilities are not misused or vandalized," he said. "Also, we must improve media coverage to educate people about equal rights and create a caring social atmosphere."

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadaily.com.cn