Disabled to get better access to devices to lead fuller lives (2)

China is home to 85 million people with disabilities and 185 million people aged 60 or older.

"Studies show that about 90 percent of the disabled and at least one-third of the elderly need devices to assist them," he said.

However, the reality in China is that less than 7 percent of people living in rural areas can access aid facilities and the coverage rate in cities is only 12 percent, Chen said, citing the results of an official survey in 2011.

Insufficient government subsidies, poor customer recognition of products and domestic companies' low manufacturing capability to produce diversified products all contribute to the situation, he said.

"There are less than 300 companies in China producing assist devices for the disabled, and most of them just manufacture basic equipment such as manual wheelchairs, walking sticks and hearing aids," he said.

The government has realized that poor access to assist devices has prevented the disabled from fully integrating into society and it has taken measures to change the situation, he said.