1 Access to services Experience of Handicap International in China Presentation at Seminar on access to services in challenging environments Amman, December 2009

2 1. Background on disability in China 83 million people with disabilities, representing more than 6% of the total population (= population of Germany) 75% of them live in rural areas (= higher than average proportion) Sources: Second China Sampling Survey on Disability, 2006

3 1. Background on disability in China Although there is strong political will, clear regulations and a well organized national system (CDPF): Only 1/3 of people with disabilities needing rehabilitation services receive them Only 1/5 of people with disabilities needing assistive devices have access to such devices Similar figures for access to education and employment Sources: Second China Sampling Survey on Disability, 2006

4 Presence in China since 1998 Promote the rights and socio- economic inclusion of people with disabilities, especially in rural and poor areas Main areas of work : Prevention Rehabilitation Inclusion 2. Presentation of Handicap International in China

5 Current projects in Tibet, Sichuan and Guangxi

6 Past: historic involvement in direct implementation of physical rehabilitation centers for people with leprosy Now: –National statistics show a clear need –Lack of disability professionals (e.g. study of Renmin University) –Focus of national and local authorities on quantity rather than quality –Lack of financial access to mainstream and specialized services in rural areas –Specific requests from partners who really see an added value from HI in this field 3. Why did we decide to work on access to services

7 Action at both local (service providers) and national level (lobby) –Lobby at national level –Collaboration with national/provincial regulators –Credibility gained on direct services to beneficiaries Pilot project – continuous focus replication opportunities Work with existing regulations and systems  do not reinvent the wheel Progressive approach: 1.Focus on technical know-how 2.Focus on management 3.Focus on financial accessibility (e.g. conference on social security and services) 4. How did your action contribute to improving access to services

8 4. How did your action contribute to improving access to services

9 National and provincial Disabled Persons Federations (both regulator and service provider ) National and provincial Rehabilitation Research Centers Departments of Education, Labor and Poverty Alleviation Universities and academic research institutes Associations of professionals (e.g. CARM) 5. Which partners do you work with

10 Time and investment needed to make pilot projects official recognized and replicated Lack of qualified and motivated staffs in rural areas Training provided by foreign experts are not officially recognized Lack of professional standards of many specialized disability professions 6. Challenges

11 Thank You ! 谢谢！