More handicapped students attending regular schools in China

For decades most handicapped children in China were segregated in special schools, where they had little contact with their able-bodied peers. That's been changing as the country embraces the notion of "inclusive education."

Some 250,000 physically and mentally challenged children are now attending regular schools, a positive move that's creating new challenges for teachers and school authorities.

Xiaoli is a third grader in the Primary School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Every day, she attends a special "motor-skills" class tailored to help her better live with her disabilities. In the past, students like Xiaoli would be isolated in a special needs school.

"These children have both mentally and physically handicaps, so their training aims to increase their cognitive abilities so they are equal to their peers." Zhou Yu, teacher from Primary School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, said.

Most special-needs educators say the aim is help handicapped children to learn to live with their disabilities and integrating them into the regular school system is proving to be the right move.

"Our survey of primary and middle schools found that special-needs students attending regular schools are more likely to develop better skills." Liu Yanhong, deputy director of Special Education Research Institute of Beijing Normal University, said.

Experts say an environment of inclusiveness is crucial and the integration program is proving positive for all children.

"We hope parents of able-bodied kids will learn to be more accepting and tolerant of handicapped children so they learn and grow in a positive, supportive atmosphere." Wu Wenyan, president of Beijing Disabled Persons Federations said.

The "Inclusive Education" program is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the China Disabled Person's Federation. The goal is to move half of all handicapped students into the regular school system by 2015.