Despite improvements in housing conditions and income, the life of disabled people in China remains substandard compared to that of others, a national survey revealed on Thursday.

Between April 2007-2008, the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the National Bureau of Statistics, the ministries of health and civil affairs, and the China Foundation for Disabled Persons' Welfare surveyed 20,697 disabled people from around the country.

Respondents represent 83 million physically and mentally handicapped people, or 6.34 percent of China's population.

The survey found per capita living space for disabled persons increased slightly to 19.6 square meters from 2007-2008, however, that space is still 22.4 percent less than the nation's average level, which is 25.2 square meters.

No reasons for that disparity were given in the survey.

The annual per capita income of the disabled increased to 8,487 yuan (US$1,240) in cities, and 3,804 yuan (450 dollars) in rural areas, rising by 15.4 percent and 22.7 percent respectively.

However, their average income (6,145 yuan a year) was 41.3 percent less than the nation's average, which was 10,468 yuan.

Only 31.8 percent of disabled adults in cities and 52.2 percent in rural areas have jobs, the survey found.

The unemployment rate among disabled people in cities rose to 12.4 percent from 10.6 percent. It is much higher than the nation's average of four percent.

The survey also investigated property ownership. There were 80 telephones and 71 television sets in every 100 homes occupied by disabled people. China's average ownership per 100 households was 195 telephones and 114 TV sets.

The survey also found people with disabilities were still urgently in need of medical treatment, financial assistance and education.

"Results of the survey have provided timely and reliable information on the living conditions of disabled people in China. These results suggest that it is very necessary and urgent to further increase assistance to the disabled," the survey said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2008)