China removes barriers in homes of 528,000 disabled households

From 2011 to 2014, China renovated the homes of 528,000 households with disabled people to make them more accessible, according to the State Council Information Office on Monday.

The renovations include stair-lifts for wheelchairs, barrier-free modifications to bathrooms and kitchens, among others.

Lyu Shiming, vice president of China Disabled Person's Federation (CDPF), noted that better accessibility helps the handicapped remain independent and "enjoy the sunshine just like everybody else".

Problems persist in building a barrier-free society for the disabled. For instance, a lack of awareness of accessibility in some cities and rural areas. Barrier-free facilities are not built systematically nor managed by the government.

The CDPF recently launched a survey on services provided for the 30 million registered handicapped in China and their needs, said Lyu, adding that the result has shown the need for a barrier-free environment.

Lyu said the CDPF will continue to work with the government to improve regulations and standards related to barrier-free environments and address the needs of home renovation for the disabled, especially less well-off households.