There are now an estimated 82.96 million disabled people in China, an increase of 31 million on the 1987 figure, according to a national survey publicized in early December in 2006.

The big increase reflects the huge increase in China's aging population.

Of the total number of disabled, 44.16 million are aged over 60, an increase of 23.65 million on the first survey in 1987. Seniors accounts for three quarters of the increase in the numbers of the nation's disabled, according to the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability.

Started from May 15, 1991, the Chinese Government has legally established National Helping-the-Disabled Day on the third Sunday in May every year.

(Source: www.cdpf.org.cn / www.china.org.cn)