China Adopts New Law on Barrier-Free Living Environment to Improve Accessibility for Disabled and Senior Citizens
In a significant move to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, China has recently adopted a new law focused on building a barrier-free living environment. The law aims to improve the daily lives of disabled individuals and senior citizens by addressing the numerous challenges they face in public spaces and buildings.
The legislation, which will take effect on September 1, comes as a response to the growing concerns raised by individuals like Chen Miaoxi, a 33-year-old woman from Zunyi in Guizhou Province who lost both her legs in a traffic accident at the age of 2. Chen, like many others, faces inconveniences such as the absence of wheelchair ramps in buildings and the lack of elevators in pedestrian overpasses, making it difficult to navigate and limiting her inclination to venture out.
The problem isn’t limited to individuals with disabilities. A recent research study conducted by Professor Pan Haixiao from Tongji University revealed that even seemingly barrier-free environments, such as university campuses, pose challenges for people with mobility issues. Faculty and staff members, as well as students who rely on crutches or wheelchairs, face difficulties accessing various facilities. For example, a student majoring in engineering couldn’t conduct experiments because he couldn’t reach the workbenches in the lab, while another student struggled to find a barrier-free toilet.
To address these issues and promote the rights of disabled individuals and the elderly, Chinese lawmakers enacted the new law during a session of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. The eight-chapter law makes provisions for the construction of accessible facilities and aims to make information and social services more accessible to individuals with disabilities. It is noteworthy as the first specific legislation in China focused on building a barrier-free living environment.
Shao Lei, the head of the Institute for Accessibility Development at Tsinghua University, highlights the significance of this law, noting that it provides a more legally binding framework compared to previous regulations. With the involvement of multiple government departments and industries, the law clarifies the responsibilities of different entities and promotes coordination among them.
Shi Hong, an official from the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, emphasizes the importance of the law in protecting the rights of disabled individuals and the elderly. The law’s implementation is expected to contribute to the advancement of human rights in China, ensuring fairer and more efficient participation in social activities for people with disabilities and senior citizens.
The law addresses various pressing concerns raised by individuals. For instance, it encourages the publication and supply of large-print editions of textbooks to meet the needs of visually impaired students, following a suggestion by Wang Yongcheng, a visually impaired deputy to the National People’s Congress. The law also obligates pharmaceutical manufacturers and operators to provide barrier-free versions of small-print instructions, such as audio, large-print, and electronic formats.
Additionally, the law recognizes the expanding scope of barrier-free initiatives in a digitalized world. The government encourages research, development, and application of barrier-free technologies, products, and services. Chinese Internet giant Tencent has already taken steps in this direction, signing a strategic cooperation agreement with non-profit organizations to innovate barrier-free products and services. Tencent’s previous initiatives include the development of an alarm system for elderly individuals and an online Chinese chess app for the visually impaired.
To continue improving barrier-free facilities, Professor Pan suggests establishing a platform for reporting issues and providing suggestions on enhancing accessibility. He also advocates for prioritizing the implementation of barrier-free facilities in public transportation systems and hospitals, citing the example of elevators installed near Shanghai General Hospital that greatly benefited patients.
Building a barrier-free environment is a comprehensive, ongoing endeavor that requires collaboration among various sectors. By prioritizing the safety and convenience of residents in city planning, construction, and management, China aims to continuously enhance living environments for all individuals. The adoption of the new law represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the country.
Overall, China’s new law on the barrier-free living environment sets the stage for a more accessible and inclusive society. By addressing the challenges faced by disabled individuals and senior citizens, the law promotes equal opportunities and encourages active participation in social activities. With a focus on construction, information services, and digital products, the law paves the way for a future where accessibility is a fundamental aspect of everyday life.
