By Wang Yanfang
Intro: Rehabilitation International (RI) bestowed “Outstanding Achievement Awards” on three organizations and presented “Centennial Contribution Awards” to 100 representatives and organizations in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the international rehabilitation cause on May 21.
Rehabilitation International (RI), the oldest organization dedicated to advancing rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and community rehabilitation, held a variety of events and forums in Beijing to celebrate its 100th anniversary from May 19-23. Among them, RI bestowed “Rehabilitation International Award for Outstanding Achievements” on three organizations and presented “Rehabilitation International Centennial Award for Significant Contributions” to 100 representatives and organizations in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the international rehabilitation cause on May 21.
A French school, ISRP- Institut Superieur de Reeducation Psychomotrice, that nurtures rehabilitation and nursing personnel, Fu Hong Society of Macau, a non-profit organization based in Macau providing social services, and the Special Olympics International, were all honored by RI for their outstanding achievements towards protecting rights and promoting inclusive development for individuals with disabilities.
Zhang Haidi, president of RI and chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), delivered a speech at the ceremony. Zhang concluded her speech by noting that RI, moving forward into its next 100 years, remains committed to promoting the development of the international disability cause, improving the well-being of people with disabilities, and encouraging governments to intensify their efforts toward the inclusive development of people with disabilities.
Under Zhang’s leadership, RI has experienced sustained growth through proactive and pragmatic cooperation. It has promoted research and development exchanges and strengthened its internal structure. Funds such as the Global Disability Development Fund and the Africa Fund have been established, and welfare projects benefiting individuals with disabilities worldwide have been launched in recent years in the areas of rehabilitation, education, employment and poverty alleviation.
The Awards for Outstanding Achievements were established in 2019 following a proposal by Zhang. In November 2019, the inaugural ” Awards for Outstanding Achievements” were presented in Moscow, creating a significant positive impact. In honor of RI’s 100th anniversary, the Centennial Awards for Significant Contributions were introduced to recognize 100 representative individuals and organizations for their contributions towards rehabilitation and development. The awards also aim to draw global attention and support for enhancing the lives and development of people with disabilities, while promoting their equal participation and comprehensive development.
