Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and particularly since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), historic achievements have been made under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core. The basic rights of people with disabilities, including the right to survival and the right to development, have been comprehensively safeguarded, significantly enhancing their sense of well-being, happiness, and security.
As China's economy and society continue to develop rapidly, meeting the growing cultural and spiritual needs of people with disabilities and ensuring their cultural rights are now of critical importance. These efforts not only enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities but also contribute to building a more equal, just, inclusive, and harmonious society.
Among people with disabilities, those with visual impairments face unique challenges. Limited access to cultural products and services leaves them with fewer opportunities for cultural enrichment. According to the World Health Organization's World Report on Vision (2019), over 2.2 billion people globally experience vision impairment or blindness. China, with the largest population of visually impaired individuals in the world, is home to approximately 17.31 million people with visual disabilities. Their desire to engage with the richness of the world and pursue a fulfilling life underscores the urgent need to protect and enhance their cultural rights.
To address this, China has established a robust support system and mobilized widespread social participation, achieving notable results. A prominent example is the "Cinema of Light" public welfare project led by the Communication University of China. By producing accessible films, creating barrier-free cinemas, and promoting cultural inclusivity, this initiative exemplifies China’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural rights of people with visual impairments.