2004 China Special Children's Education Rights Report

Author: Chen Yunying, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Upholding and promoting the rights of special education and rehabilitation for children, and thereby effectively safeguarding their fundamental rights such as the right to survival, development, protection, and participation, is a sacred responsibility that all levels of government must fulfill. — Xu Jialu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
It is a very important task to thoroughly summarize our own practical experience, learn from and absorb the beneficial experiences of special education legislation from countries and regions around the world, and establish a special education legal and regulatory system with Chinese characteristics. — Chen Xiaoya, Vice Minister of Education
The "Tomorrow Project for the Surgical Rehabilitation of Disabled Orphans" is a major initiative to promote the development of children's welfare and create a brighter future for disabled orphans. It is a significant event that changes the life of the children receiving aid and benefits the nation and the country. — Li Liguo, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs
Based on scientific research, the work of advocating for the educational rights of special children through a forum involving the entire society was initiated in 2001, named the "21st Century Forum on Chinese Special Education and Rehabilitation." The theme of the discussion was "Leveraging the Advantages and Characteristics of the Internet to Promote Basic Education for Children with Special Needs." To sustain the effort in advocating for children's development, a national expert advisory committee was also established.
Seventy-seven representatives from the Disabled Persons' Federation and Civil Affairs departments from 12 provinces and cities across the country attended this conference. Notable speakers included Cheng Kai, Director of the General Office of the China Disabled Persons' Federation; Du Yue, Head of the National Committee of UNESCO; Madam Mangalagiri of UNICEF; and Zhou Demao, Deputy Director of the Special Education Department of the Ministry of Education. Eleven experts, including Chen Yunying, Li Huijing, and Zhou Geng, delivered thematic reports.
The representatives engaged in discussions and unanimously agreed that such an open, free, and academic forum plays a significant positive role in promoting mutual understanding and experience-sharing among special education workers across different regions. They expressed hope that the forum could be held regularly, transforming it into a national, regular, high-level, and cross-century academic forum for special education.