In a significant move to bolster support for individuals with disabilities, national legislators in China are pushing for comprehensive legal amendments. These changes aim to ensure that people with disabilities can access assistance more seamlessly, particularly in both urban and rural settings. The proposals were discussed during a review of draft revisions to the Organic Law of Villagers’ Committees and the Organic Law of Urban Residents’ Committees over the past weekend. The current draft amendments mandate that villagers’ committees and urban residents’ committees establish specialized divisions to cater to the needs of the elderly, women, and children. Zheng Weiping, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, lauded the proposal but emphasized the necessity of addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities. He advocated for clear legal definitions of the services provided to this group by village and community committees. Wang Tiemin, another member of the NPC Standing Committee, supported this view, stating that including specific provisions for people with disabilities would facilitate their better integration into society and enhance their quality of life and work experiences. Hong Tianyun, a member of the NPC’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, acknowledged the long-standing focus on the elderly, women, and children by village and community committees. He agreed with the proposal to establish specialized divisions but highlighted the importance of legislative protections for elderly people with disabilities in rural areas, noting that such measures would be beneficial for their future.
