Recently, the Changzhou Economic Development Zone has innovatively established the first embedded home for the disabled, named “Dingxiang” Home for the Disabled, in the Changfeng Community of Dingyan Street. This home is planned and constructed in conjunction with the Changfeng Community Party and Mass Service Center and the Street Home-based Elderly Care Service Center, truly achieving convenient access where “the service door is just outside your home.”
The term “embedded” refers to integrating the “Home for the Disabled” into the grassroots governance platform of the village (community) Party and Mass Service Center, relying on the existing facilities of the village (community) Party and Mass Service Center to establish a linkage mechanism of “Party organization + Home for the Disabled + community grid.” This integrates resources related to daytime care, supported employment, cultural and sports activities, achieving a unified management of services for the disabled and grassroots governance, thereby enhancing the precision of services.
Entering this nearly 1000 square meter space, the functional areas are scientifically and reasonably divided: there are areas for supported employment, rehabilitation training, cultural activities, and more. “Supported employment is a key focus in the development of the Home for the Disabled,” said Zhou Jiayuan, deputy director of the Social Affairs Office of Dingyan Street. Currently, the street has reached preliminary cooperation with two caring enterprises in the area to develop suitable jobs for the disabled, such as coil assembly and component polishing.
“Now we can complete 15 bundles a day, which is double what we started with.” In the supported employment area, Ms. Yan is skillfully assembling electronic components. Despite having an intellectual disability, she has found a sense of belonging in this “embedded” home for the disabled within the community.
In terms of rehabilitation services, this facility is not only equipped with professional equipment but also invites doctors to hold consultations monthly. Notably, eligible disabled individuals can enjoy services such as free lunches and assistive device rentals here. “The lunch box includes one meat and three vegetables, and everyone says it’s good,” Ms. Yan added with a smile.
It is reported that the community has established a long-term mechanism for “Party members pairing to assist the disabled”: on one hand, a WeChat group for disabled services has been formed to ensure comprehensive policy promotion; on the other hand, a Party member liaison system has been set up to achieve immediate response to needs. “We will incorporate regular assistance services for the disabled into the responsibilities of grassroots Party organizations, continuously enhancing the sense of gain and happiness for the disabled,” said Liu Xiaofang.
Jiang Xian, head of the Disabled Services Section of the Changzhou Economic Development Zone Social Security Bureau, stated that the successful operation of the “Dingxiang” Home for the Disabled provides a model for embedded assistance services for the disabled throughout the district. In the next step, the Changzhou Economic Development Zone Disabled Persons’ Federation will promote more quality service resources to the community, allowing more disabled individuals to enjoy the “happiness at their doorstep.”
Source: China National Radio
Editor: Xuan Jia