Changchun School for the Disabled of the Open University of China (OUC), also named School of Special Education of Changchun Radio and TV University, was founded on May 10, 2011. In its initial phase, the School is offering diploma programmes in digital media design and production as well as social work. It has enrolled 43 students in the spring of 2011, and provided each disabled student with 500 RMB in financial aid.

The School intends to offer diploma and degree programmes, vocational education, job training and practical skill training for the handicapped in Changchun. Taking into consideration the reality of the majority of disabled students, those who are officially recruited by the School, have registered permanent residence in Changchun and are financially challenged can apply for a one-time grant of 2000 RMB from Changchun Disabled Persons' Federation and 500 RMB from Changchun Radio and TV University. When the students obtain their diplomas or degrees, they can also receive a one-time reward of 1,000 RMB from Changchun Disabled Persons' Federation. With the financial support from Changchun Radio and TV University and Changchun Disabled Persons' Federation, the total tuition for a disabled student would be reduced to only 700 RMB.

The foundation of Changchun School for the Disabled of the OUC, School of Special Education of Changchun Radio and TV University is an important measure by Changchun Radio and TV University to promote education among one of the most disadvantaged groups of society. Due to the level of economic development and the practical difficulties of disabled students, efforts of conventional universities in Changchun to provide the disabled with access to higher education have been inadequate for a very long time. In order to provide more educational opportunities for the disabled and improve their ability to contribute to the society and economy, the School was established with the support and cooperation of Changchun Disabled Persons' Federation and Changchun Radio and TV University. This is an important step forward in broadening opportunities for higher education for the disabled, and guaranteeing a harmonious society and educational equality in Changchun.

In the next three to five years, the School will offer diploma programmes in English, accounting and other undergraduate programmes. Non-degree education will also be offered gradually. In addition to physically disabled students, the School also plans to enroll students with visual and hearing impairment. It is predicted that the total enrollment will reach 400 in 2016. Meanwhile, the School will continue to expand its faculty, institutes of scientific research, teaching facilities and logistical support facilities as appropriate, striving to become an institution of higher education for the disabled with superior facilities, clear objectives, distinctive features, high standards of teaching quality and management, and capacity for continued growth.

Yan Bing, vice president of the OUC and dean of School for the Disabled of the OUC, and Wang Yanqiu, vice chairman of Jilin Disabled Persons' Federation, inaugurated the foundation of the Changchun School for the Disabled. Over 120 persons attended the ceremony, including Lu Fujian, vice secretary-general of Changchun municipal government, top officials from other concerned sectors, Changchun Radio and TV University officials and staff, students of the School's first session, and representatives from the media.

By Dong Yuwei, Changchun Radio and TV University