China Outlines 15th Five-Year Plan Framework for Disability Support

On July 27, 2026, the State Council Information Office held a press conference where representatives from the China Disabled Persons' Federation outlined the draft strategy for persons with disabilities under the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The framework includes 9 main quantitative indicators, 32 key tasks across 7 sectors, and 45 priority service projects. Key commitments include launching a nationwide lifelong care action for autism, expanding barrier-free infrastructure, and accelerating the real-world application of assistive technology.

Disability support represents a crucial pillar of China's social security framework. The 15th Five-Year Plan for the Protection and Development of Persons with Disabilities provides the top-level architecture and policy targets to elevate rehabilitation, education, employment, and accessibility standards across the country.

On July 27, 2026, the State Council Information Office held a thematic press conference under its series dedicated to starting the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) effectively. During the session, leadership from the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) presented key aspects of China's upcoming blueprint for promoting the comprehensive and high-quality development of social support for persons with disabilities. CDPF officials emphasized that the 15th Five-Year Plan period represents a crucial stage for laying a solid foundation for socialist modernization while accelerating efforts to address remaining shortfalls in disability welfare and public service provision. According to the briefing, the overarching framework titled the '15th Five-Year Plan for the Protection and Development of Persons with Disabilities' sets out structured operational benchmarks. The plan outlines 9 main quantitative indicators, 32 key tasks organized into 7 fundamental sectors, and 45 special service projects and dedicated action programs designed to guide departmental implementation across the country. Among the priority campaigns announced, China will implement a dedicated lifelong care promotion action for individuals with autism, addressing support requirements across different life stages. The framework also commits to continuously deepening the construction and shared use of barrier-free environments in public spaces. Furthermore, authorities plan to focus resources on enhancing the overall standards of disability rehabilitation programs, expanding access to quality education, and broadening stable employment channels. To support these goals, the plan underscores the role of technological innovation. Officials noted that China will expedite the real-world scenario transformation of technological achievements aimed at assisting persons with disabilities. Through these combined measures, policymakers intend to build a more robust, stable, and compassionate social security and care service system over the next five years.