Family experiences of child disability in China have not been researched inside or outside China.

This study applied a child-based human rights framework in four domains (care and protection, economic security, development and participation) to investigate families’ experiences of the effectiveness of support to fulfil their children’s rights. 

Analysis draws on the 2006 Second National Survey of Disabled People (the first international analysis of these data) and interviews with families and officials. The research contributes to understanding child disability rights in China. 

Results will be helpful to policy makers in China, Australia and international agencies who seek to realise the rights of children with disabilities. The project strengthens connections between Australian researchers and policy makers, Rights to Play China and China Disabled Persons Federation. 

Research Centre

Social Policy Research Centre

Research Area

Disability | Chinese Social Policy

  • Shang, X. & Fisher, K.R. (2016). Disability policy in China: Child and Family Experiences (PDF) [2 Mb], Routledge, UK
  • Fisher, K.R. & Shang, X. (2014). ‘Protecting the right to life of children with disabilities in China’, Journal of Social Service Research, DOI:10.1080/01488376.2014.922521
  • Shang, X. & Fisher, K.R. (2014). ‘Social support for mothers of children with disabilities in China’, Journal of Social Service Research, DOI:10.1080/01488376.2014.896849
  • Fisher, K.R. & Shang X. (2013). ‘Access to health and therapy services for families of children with disabilities in China’, Disability and Rehabilitation, 35(25): 2157-63.
  • Fisher, K.R., Shang, X. & Xie, J. (2011). ‘Support for social participation of children and young people with disability in China’, in Carrillo, B. and Duckett, J. eds, China's Changing Welfare Mix: Local perspectives, Routledge, London and New York, p193-210.
  • Shang, X., Fisher, K.R. & Xie J. (2011). ‘Discrimination against children with disability in China: a case study in Jiangxi Province’, International Journal of Social Welfare, 20(3): 298-308.
  • Shang, X., Saldov, M. & Fisher, K.R. (2011). ‘Informal kinship care of orphans in rural China’, Social Policy and Society, 10(1):103-16
  • Shang, X. & Fisher, K.R. (2013). Caring for Orphaned Children in China, Lexington Books, Lanham. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780739136966/Caring-for-Orphaned-Children-in-China

Australian Research Council – Linkage Program

Wei Wei, Rights to Play China

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