This Day, That Year: March 11

Editor's note: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China.

On March 11, 1988, the China Disabled Persons' Federation was established to represent and safeguard the rights and interests of disabled people.

An item on Dec 4, 1992, in China Daily showed Deng Pufang (in wheelchair), chairman of the federation, joining handicapped artists in Beijing to celebrate the first International Day for Disabled Persons.

In 2003, Deng won the UN Human Rights Prize for his work in promoting the rights of the disabled in China.

The latest census found that the country has 85 million people with disabilities. To help the group play a bigger role in society, authorities have adopted a series of measures in employment, education, healthcare and barrier-free infrastructure.

After investing heavily in the 2008 Paralympics, much has been done to bring the plight of the disabled into the public eye.

In 2008, China's regulations on the employment of people with disabilities took effect, including a rule that the proportion of disabled employees should be at least 1.5 percent nationally.

In 2012, the central government implemented a regulation to guarantee construction of barrier-free public facilities. A survey by the federation showed more than 100 cities have complied.

In Beijing, the municipal government has invested tens of millions of yuan in such facilities at tourist attractions, making life easier for disabled visitors.

Access to Beijing's best-known section of the Great Wall has been made easier with two lifts and a wheelchair ramp, installed ahead of the 2008 Paralympics.

Barrier-free buses and taxis are also available in the city.

Braille signboards and route maps have also been placed to meet the needs of the visually impaired. Wheelchair facilities have been installed at subway stations.