China Disabled Persons' Federation: History and Evolution of Disability Welfare
The journey of disability welfare in China is marked by a transition from specialized associations to a comprehensive national federation. This evolution reflects a growing commitment to integrating social care, legal protection, and international cooperation to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
The Early Foundations (1953–1960)
The formal organization of disability services began in the early 1950s with the creation of targeted associations. In March 1953, the Chinese Welfare Association for the Blind was established in Beijing. Its primary goals were to assist the government in solving problems facing the blind and to promote their general welfare. The association was led by Chairman Xie Juezai, Interior Minister of the Government Administration Council, alongside Vice Chairmen Wu Yunfu and Huang Nai, and Director-General Zhang Wenqiu.
Following this, the Chinese Welfare Association for the Deaf was founded in February 1956 in Beijing, with Wu Yunfu serving as chairman. The association focused on establishing contact with the deaf community and advocating for their welfare.
By May 30, 1956, under the instructions of Premier Zhou Enlai, both associations were officially placed under the direction of the Interior Ministry. This administrative alignment culminated on May 20, 1960, when the two organizations merged to form the China Association for the Blind and Deaf.
Institutional Growth and Legal Frameworks (1978–1991)
After a period of reorganization, the central leadership approved the return of the China Association for the Blind and Deaf's operations in August 1978. This revival included the resumption of the Blind Monthly publication.
The 1980s saw a rapid expansion of support systems. On March 15, 1984, the China Welfare Fund for the Handicapped held its inaugural meeting in Beijing. By July 1986, the China Organizing Committee of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons was established. Presided over by Cui Naifu, this committee featured a work report by Deng Pufang and a keynote speech by Vice Premier Qiao Shi to define the committee's responsibilities.
A pivotal moment in the institutionalization of these efforts occurred from March 11 to 13, 1988, with the First National Congress of the China Disabled Persons' Federation in Beijing. This paved the way for legislative progress; in December 1990, the Seventh National People's Congress Standing Committee adopted the People's Republic of China on Protection of Disabled Persons Act, which officially came into force on May 15, 1991.
Modern Initiatives and International Cooperation
From the 1990s onward, the focus shifted toward sports, rehabilitation, and global partnerships. On September 4, 1994, Beijing hosted the sixth FESPIC Games for the Disabled, opened by Premier Li Peng and presided over by Deng Pufang.
The 21st century brought further specialization and visibility. In January 2011, the China Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Association of the Fifth National People's Congress was inaugurated. That same year, the federation collaborated with the Fujian Film Studio to produce "Special Love," a Special Olympics theme film premiered at the Great Hall of the People on May 15, 2011.
International cooperation became a cornerstone of strategy. In September 2011, the federation co-sponsored a workshop on community-based rehabilitation (a strategy for rehabilitation services delivered within the community) with Handicap International. Later that year, in December, the federation partnered with the World Health Organization and the World Bank to host a conference on the World Disability Report and Community-based Rehabilitation Guide.
Recent milestones include the Eighth Chinese National Games for the Disabled in Hangzhou (October 2011) and a 2012 strategic cooperation agreement with China National Radio for the "Cultural Assistive Action Plan." Most recently, on September 28, 2015, the First Lady of China unveiled a stamp honoring disabled people, designed by the China Disabled Persons' Federation.
Key Facts
- 1953: Establishment of the Chinese Welfare Association for the Blind.
- 1960: Merger of blind and deaf associations into the China Association for the Blind and Deaf.
- 1988: First National Congress of the China Disabled Persons' Federation.
- 1991: Implementation of the Protection of Disabled Persons Act.
- 2011: Collaboration with WHO and World Bank on the World Disability Report.
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| Year | Event/Milestone | Key Figure/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Chinese Welfare Association for the Blind founded | Xie Juezai |
| 1956 | Chinese Welfare Association for the Deaf founded | Wu Yunfu |
| 1984 | Inaugural meeting of China Welfare Fund for the Handicapped | - |
| 1990 | Adoption of Protection of Disabled Persons Act | NPC Standing Committee |
| 1994 | 6th FESPIC Games for the Disabled | Premier Li Peng |
| 2015 | Unveiling of stamp honoring disabled people | First Lady of China |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the China Disabled Persons' Federation first established?
The First National Congress of the China Disabled Persons' Federation was held in Beijing from March 11 to 13, 1988.
What is the Protection of Disabled Persons Act?
Adopted in December 1990 and effective as of May 15, 1991, this Act is the primary legal framework for the protection of disabled persons in the People's Republic of China.
How did the early associations for the blind and deaf evolve?
They were established separately in 1953 and 1956, placed under the Interior Ministry in 1956, and eventually merged into the China Association for the Blind and Deaf in 1960.
What international organizations has the federation collaborated with?
The federation has worked with the United Nations (during the Decade of Disabled Persons), Handicap International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank.
What was the purpose of the "Cultural Assistive Action Plan"?
This was a strategic cooperation agreement signed on February 21, 2012, between the China Disabled Persons' Federation and China National Radio to enhance cultural accessibility.