Plan promotes special education

The Special Education Improvement Plan (2014-16), which aims to promote the development of special education, improve the level of special education and ensure disabled peoples' right to receive an education, was approved by the State Council and released to the public on Monday.

The plan was jointly proposed by seven ministries and commissions, including the Ministry of Education, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

According to the plan, compulsory education will be popularized among all children with disabilities by 2016, with 90 percent of those who have visual, hearing and mental problems being admitted to receive compulsory education.

The plan also said more funds will be invested to support the development of compulsory education of disabled children, and the annual educational budget for each disabled child will be 6,000 yuan ($990).

A combination of teaching and treatment will also be established at special education schools. By installing more rehabilitation equipment, the "teaching and treatment" pattern will help disabled students improve their health while studying.