This literature review examined spinal cord injury survivors of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan, the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

The effects of an earthquake in an urban area can be devastating. Often much is destroyed, including significant materials and human public health infrastructures, communication and transportation networks, as well as medical facilities. There are also vast individual risk factors to be conscious of, including pre-existing disabilities, extremes of age, chronic illness, and lack of mobility. 

Proper care and knowledge regarding spinal cord injuries is critical in any emergency response, such as an earthquake; on-scene spinal immobilization, intravenous access and maintenance of cervical alignment are critical. In addition, rapid referral to a multidisciplinary care facility with appropriate rehabilitation services is essential.  

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Medical rehabilitation of spinal cord injury following earthquakes

Handicap International began working in the Tibet Autonomous Region in 2000, with a goal for its projects to promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities. In mid-2015, the organization withdrew from the region, entrusting the projects to its former local partner, the Tibet Disabled Persons' Federation.

Twenty-year-old Tibetan Drolma Lazom was born with Kashin Beck Disease, a chronic, disabling bone disease common in Tibet Autonomous Region and other parts of southwestern China. In the blog below, Lazom describes the struggles of growing up with a disability in Tibet, and how, after joining a support group sponsored by Handicap international, she overcame her low self-esteem to become an advocate for the disabled. Handicap international, which has been working in China for 12 years, supports, among others, community-based rehabilitation in Tibet Region as well as disabled people’s organizations. 

In China, Humanity & Inclusion continues to run programs under the operating name "Handicap International." 

Humanity & Inclusion in China

Our team has been working in China since 2000, promoting the inclusion of the most vulnerable populations in society. 

China is currently the world’s most populated country with a population of 1.3 billion people. There are more than 85 million people with disabilities, most of whom live in extremely precarious conditions.

China is also prone to major natural disasters, and its provinces are frequently affected by major earthquakes and widespread flooding. People with disabilities are highly vulnerable, with little to no assistance available to them.

Our Current Work

Humanity & Inclusion’s team of 14 in China works diligently to:

• Improve mental health
• Ensure social and economic inclusion
• Promote inclusive education
• Support Organizations for People with Disabilities

Improve Mental Health 

A comprehensive strategy on mental health has been adopted by local authorities to support the participation and social inclusion of people with disabilities. Humanity & Inclusion is partnering with civil society organizations so that policy is developed and implemented.

Economic and Social Inclusion

To improve the social situation of people with disabilities, Humanity & Inclusion facilitates inclusion projects in Sichuan, Guangxi, and Yunnan. These projects address inclusive community development, education, and economics. 

We also contributes to the development of more inclusive policies so that vulnerable people can play an active role in society

Inclusive Education

Humanity & Inclusion supports efforts to create a more inclusive education for children with disabilities by providing the necessary equipment and financial support to educational facilities. 

We also supports the establishment of a national level dialogue to mobilize education service providers and users to support the implementation of inclusive education policies. 

Support Organizations for People with Disabilities (OPDs or DOPs)

Humanity & Inclusion aims to reduce gender-based violence towards disabled women and girls, notably by working with women’s and disabled people’s organizations in China.

Our Past Work

Humanity & Inclusion has been in China since 2000, promoting a culture of of dignity, access, and inclusion for ALL people with disabilities and who are vulnerable. Over time our work has transformed to meet the dynamic needs of the communities we serve.

Read on to learn more about our past work in China and consider investing in our future. 

Natural Disaster Relief 

When major natural disasters such as earthquakes or extensive flooding occur in China, Humanity & Inclusion offers emergency relief assistance to victims. The organization's first  emergency relief efforts in China were in the provinces of Guangxi, Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia between 1998 and 2000 and also in Yunnan in August 2014.

Handicap International is responding to the needs of injured people in Ya'an, a city in China's Sichuan province, after a deadly April 20th earthquake.