A man sleeps in a wheelchair next to a television set at a nursing home. (Photo : Reuters)
China is slowly making steps to make life comfortable and easier for its disabled population. The country's first step toward this initiative is to launch a special hotline for the disabled.
According to the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), the 12385 hotline was created to provide disabled people the necessary information and guidance to live a better life.
In a statement released by the CDPF, the hotline will also offer consultation on specific disability-related laws, judicial explanations and department-specific policies. They will also get to know about opportunities in poverty relief, rehabilitation, education, employment, as well as cultural and sports activities.
Despite their state of disability, handicapped people deserve a chance to live normally. This is a truth that China, despite its rapid economic development, is sluggish to acknowledge. With obstructed ramps, discrimination in the workplace, and special toilets used for other means, China is far from an ideal environment for a disabled person to grow and enjoy life despite his or her disadvantages.
Things are starting to change, however, as the nation is slowly trying to make amends with this lack of oversight. Last month, Beijing announced plans to add 800 barrier-free cabs to its taxi fleet this year. The capital city currently has 70 barrier-free cabs.
Barrier-free cabs are recognized as friendly toward disabled people due to their primary feature: rotated assisted seats that let a handicapped person get in and out of the taxi with ease. Aside from that, barrier-free cabs also come with ample storage for wheelchairs.
A live discussion for the hotline is available from 8:00 to 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
