BEIJING, Mar 26: Despite efforts by many non-governmental organisations and policymakers to boost employment, a lot of people with disabilities in China seem to be leading a life full of dejection due to lack of job opportunities.

Statistics of the country's top disabled rights organisation -- China Disabled Persons' Federation -- reveal it received about 17,000 letters, calls and visits from people last year, the China Daily reported.
 
"Difficulties in finding employment was the top issue for those in urban areas, and was among the three major challenges identified by those in rural areas," said Bo Shaoye, the federation's director of rights protection.
 
About 83 million people in China are believed to have some form of disability. "In 2010, the unemployment rate among this group was 8.6 percent", said Bo, adding that it is twice as high as the national rate.
 
Chinese law states that people with disabilities should make up at least 1.5 percent of the workforce in all government departments, NGOs, enterprises and institutions.

Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com