Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met in Beijing with representatives attending a ceremony commending role models with disabilities and people who have made outstanding contributions to helping the disabled.

President Xi congratulated the representatives on their commendations and encouraged them to make continued efforts to achieve new accomplishments in supporting China's disabled. He shook hands with the representatives, asked them about their work and lives, and took a group photo with them.  

In a speech delivered at the ceremony, State Councilor Wang Yong called for improved mechanisms and efficient measures for disability support.

He also demanded efforts to enable more people with disabilities live better lives and to lift impoverished people with disabilities in rural areas out of poverty.

A total of 167 role models with disabilities, 100 outstanding units and 100 outstanding individuals of disability support, 100 disability support centers, as well as 33 model workers of disabled persons' federations were commended at the ceremony.

On Thursday afternoon, China's State Council Information Office (SCIO) held a press briefing for journalists from both home and abroad, highlighting three role models with disabilities and one outstanding supporter who had just received the honor in the morning.  

One of the guests, 94-year-old Cao Peng, is a conductor and founder of Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra. He is now spending most of his time helping autistic children. /Photo via SCIO 

The guests shared stories and experiences about how they've striven to overcome their disabilities, or helped people that had disabilities.

They also called for a social environment in which disabled people are more respected and cared for, and hoped that people with disabilities would enjoy more opportunities to realize their values and greater support to live better lives.

May 19 marks the 29th National Day for Helping the Disabled.  

(With input from Xinhua)