China has vowed to help the disabled persons to live a comparatively comfortable life like the rest of the general public, with Thursday's publication of the 2006-2010 plan for the development of the most vulnerable group.

In the new blueprint, the government, for the first time, includes the welfare of the disabled population in national economic and social development.

Observers here say the move indicates a road of overall, coordinated and sustainable development would be paved for the disabled persons.

The new plan was drawn out on the basis of the previous three national plans implemented by the government since 1991 in assisting the disabled.

In the next five years, the government will try hard to help the disabled population to share the fruit of the country's reform and development, by giving special support to those from poor families, building a long-term mechanism for aiding disabled persons, coordinating the efforts to aid the disabled in different parts of the country, protecting their legitimate rights, and encouraging them to participate in social and economic life.

Deng Pufang, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), insists that China could not reach its goal of building a comparatively prosperous society in all aspects with the disabled group left struggling in poverty.

China is conducting the second national sampling survey on the situation of disabled people, aiming to provide necessary data and information for decision-making and implementation of the new development plan for this special group of people.

After two decades of efforts to help the disabled, people of this social group in China enjoy a higher rate of employment and schooling than their peers in the other parts of the world, according to the CDPF.

A large number of them have become scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and government officials with notable achievements in their career.

CDPF Chairman Deng Pufang, recipient of the 2003 United Nations Award for Human Rights, said he is satisfied that the international community has recognized China's progress in assisting its 60 million disabled population and protecting their rights.

Source: Xinhua