A ground-breaking ceremony for Shenzhen's first service center for the handicapped was held Saturday, the 14th International Day for the Disabled.

The center in Shangmeilin, Futian District, occupies 16,000 square meters and will cost the municipal government 60 million yuan (US$7.5 million). The center will provide comprehensive services to the disabled, including rehabilitation, education, legal services, employment, cultural events and information.

Upon completion in 2007, the center will be a resource center for the handicapped, said Qiu Mei, vice chairperson of the municipal people's congress, at the ceremony.

Meanwhile the Shenzhen Disabled People's Federation has awarded companies and individuals for their donations to a charity program for disabled children from 2004. According to the federation, 65 firms and 109 people contributed 1.9 million yuan to the fund, allowing 119 disabled children to get medical treatment.

(Shenzhen Daily December 5, 2005)