By Wang Yanfang
Intro: Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International, presided over the organization’s executive committee meeting in Qingdao on May 28 and delivered a speech.
The executive committee of Rehabilitation International (RI) held its 2024 spring conference in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province, on May 28. Zhang Haidi, president of the organization, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech.
Members of the executive committee from Asia-Pacific, African, European, American and Arab regions gathered at the University of Rehabilitation Science and attended the conference.
Zhang noted the significance of the newly established university hosting the event. For a decade, executive committee members have witnessed the entire construction process, from conceptual design and planning to laying the foundation and completion.
RI signed an agreement with the university to build a cooperative research center and autism research center, signifying their joint efforts to nurture more rehabilitation professionals worldwide.
She expressed hope that RI continues to play an active role in inclusive development for people with disabilities, bringing more benefits.
Zhang reviewed progress made by RI since its autumn meetings in December 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and outlined schedules for the next phase.
The renovation of the Alpha School for the Deaf in Addis Ababa, supported by the organization, is progressing well. Meanwhile, preparatory work for RI’s 2024 World Congress in Abu Dhabi is being carried out systematically.
RI adopted a resolution to cooperate with the U.N. library in Geneva, supporting facility upgrades for accessibility and providing Braille books and reading materials for people with blindness or low vision. RI is also making efforts to facilitate the implementation of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
Executive committee members visited the Jimo Xiangtai integrated service center for people with disabilities and Haier Group during their Qingdao tour, gaining insights into China’s disability initiatives and modernization.
Representatives from U.N. agencies in China, the China Disabled Persons’ Federation‘s international department, its Shandong branch, the University of Rehabilitation Science, and other experts and scholars in rehabilitation also attended the event.
