Delivering the Government Work Report to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in March, Premier Li Qiang highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights and interests of people with disabilities.
Over the past year, the government actively developed social programs and improved the people's wellbeing, strengthening safeguards for the rights and interests of people with disabilities, Li noted.
For the year ahead, initiatives concerning people with disabilities were proposed in the report, including improving specialized education as well as barrier-free and age-friendly facilities.
Addressing employment issues, Li said that "efforts will be redoubled to stabilize and expand employment, increasing assistance for people facing difficulties in finding jobs, such as older jobseekers, people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed."
As for social security and healthcare services, Li pointed out in the report that "basic medical and health services will be strengthened and mental health services will be improved. Policies on social security and services will be improved, more care will be provided to functionally impaired elderly persons, and more support will be given for providing assisted catering services for the elderly and for the purchase and rental of assistive rehabilitation services. "
Efforts will also be made to guide and support the sound development of social organizations, humanitarian assistance, volunteer services, public welfare, and charitable initiatives, and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, the report said.
"Adequate care for people with severe disabilities will be ensured and disability prevention and rehabilitation services will be improved," according to the report.