Equal participation of persons with disabilities in the development of disability policy on accessibility in China

Abstract

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of 2006 has been in effect in China for a decade since 31 August 2008. This treaty impacts the rights of persons with disabilities in China in different ways, especially with regard to the public understanding of disability and accessibility for social inclusion. This article scrutinizes two major and interrelated areas: accessible testing to promote the rights of persons with disabilities to inclusive higher education and the contribution of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in pertinent policy development. It introduces the evolvement of polices on testing accommodations for the national college entrance examination (Gaokao). It also indicates the gap between policy and service provision for accessible testing in Gaokao and the individual needs of persons with disabilities in taking the test. It further emphasizes the strategic and collaborative advocacy of organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) to address the challenges for the improvement of disability policy and practice.